2021 was a big one! Our 50th year provided high-quality treatment to those severely affected by gambling addiction. Whilst we did not get to do all the things we wanted to do to mark this milestone due to the pandemic, what we did do reflected the reason why Gordon Moody has been around for 50 years and will be around for many years to come.
Let’s face it, many people’s plans have been delayed; birthdays, anniversaries, holidays have all had to wait to protect the safety of those around us, which of course, was the right thing to do. Instead, during 2021 we focused on what was really important, our people. Our colleagues and our service users are at the heart of everything we do here at Gordon Moody, and the team worked tirelessly throughout the year to continue to provide treatment and also to innovate to meet the needs of our service users. This, in turn, has led to a number of new services being launched, which means 2022 is going to be one of the biggest years in Gordon Moody’s recent history.
Our residential treatment, which is our core service, will be expanding for men with the addition of a third treatment centre soon to open. We will also be re-introducing residential treatment for Women. The programme has been specifically created to meet women’s needs with the input of a number of experts in the field as well as lived experience contributing to its design. It is a much needed and truly unique service. A pilot has already been run with very encouraging results, and we look forward to moving the service into what will be its permanent home in Wolverhampton early in the year.
Our Retreat and Counselling programme for those unable to attend the full residential but still in need of the level of intervention Gordon Moody provides will also expand in 2022, with four additional cohorts added to the annual programme. This will enable us to reach people from all backgrounds, from all areas of the UK who previously struggled to access treatment.
Online our Gambling Therapy website will integrate with the Gordon Moody website to provide a holistic service for those seeking Gordon Moody’s treatment in the UK and practical support and advice in multiple languages for those affected by gambling harm overseas.
2022 will also see our collaborative work continue with bed spaces for multiple complex addictions becoming available, enhanced aftercare and improved referral pathways with members of the NGTS and beyond as we strive to ensure that people access the right treatment in the right place at the right time.
To support our growth, we are recruiting both in our treatment teams and our core teams with key roles added in HR, Finance, Marketing and Fundraising, to name but a few. We are also working closely with our board of trustees on our new strategy so look out for updates in our upcoming blogs and newsletters.
So here’s to a positive 2022; for those looking to reclaim and rebuild their lives free of gambling addiction, we are here for you, and we are ready.