Gordon Moody’s women’s residential treatment programme celebrated its first anniversary this month. The programme, which is a world first, has so far helped 34 women since it opened its doors in Birmingham in November 2021.
It was set up after a surge in women needing residential support, with applications for treatment at Gordon Moody more than doubling in the last year.
Women’s programme
The five-week residential programme involves one-to-one sessions with a therapist to address women’s relationship with gambling but also support dealing with trauma and mental health. It is followed by a robust eight-week virtual aftercare programme and continuous support for up to a year through our wrap-around services.
For one women, the treatment programme has been life changing:
“I am so grateful for the opportunity. Coming into residential treatment was one of the best things I have ever done. It was hard work but I feel I am in a much better place. If I ever come across someone who needs help, I would highly recommend Gordon Moody – it is life changing.”
Matthew Hickey, Chief Executive says:
“I would like to thank all those people who have supported us and have been involved in setting up this unique service for women. We know that the number of women with a severe gambling addiction is increasing and it’s important to continue to grow these services so we can support as many women as possible to live their lives free from gambling addiction.”
Increase in women’s gambling
We know that women face unique issues around gambling. There was a 54% increase in the number of women gambling online compared to 28% for men. 9,000 women called the national gambling helpline in 2019/20 with 59% seeking help for a loved one and 41% seeking help for their own gambling issues. Only 2,000 women accessed treatment for disordered gambling last year. This figure is thought to be only 3% of the actual number that need treatment. (Gamble Aware 2019)
Dragos Dragomir, Clinical Director:
“In order to develop the best possible programme, we offer broader therapeutic support that addresses issues that some women may face such as trauma, adverse childhood experiences, domestic abuse, dealing with guilt and shame, parenting, or substance misuse.”
Harp Edwards, Women’s Residential Treatment Centre Manager, said:
“The residential centre is made to feel home-from-home for the women, so they can be in a stress-free environment so they can focus on treatment to get the best possible outcomes for their recovery.”
Looking to the future
Residential women’s treatment services are due to move to a permanent site in Wolverhampton in 2023, where capacity will increase by 60%, and we look forward to helping even more women reclaim and rebuild their lives free from gambling addiction.
GORDON MOODY ARE THE UK’S LEADING CHARITY DEDICATED TO PROVIDING SUPPORT AND TREATMENT FOR GAMBLING ADDICTION. WE HELP PEOPLE RECLAIM AND REBUILD THEIR LIVES THROUGH RECOVERY IN A SAFE, SUPPORTED ENVIRONMENT.