Way Forward: Virtual Support Group for Women

Way Forward is our support group for all women affected by someone else’s gambling harm.

Our Way Forward groups aim to provide a safe, supportive and confidential space for women to share their experiences, find comfort and empower one another.

Way Forward online sessions are semi-structured, running for 1.5 hours over six weeks. Groups are led by trained facilitators specialising in supporting women who are affected by gambling-related harms.

Each week will focus on the impact of different areas of gambling harm:

• Session 1 – Getting to know each other.
• Session 2 – Understanding gambling harm.
• Session 3 – Taking care of yourself.
• Session 4 – Dealing with guilt and shame / enabling behaviours.
• Session 5 – Dealing with anger and resentment.
• Session 6 – Having difficult conversations / expectations / acceptance.

Feedback from previous Way Forward members:

“At the beginning of the sessions my mental health wasn’t great. I was totally overwhelmed and consumed by everything that was going on with my husband’s gambling. I now feel so much better, I don’t feel alone anymore.”

“I feel like we have our own family of affected others. It’s nice to be able to talk and listen with a group of people who completely understand.”

How to join or refer into a Way Forward group

If you’re interested in joining a group or would like to refer into Way Forward, you can get in touch with us at [email protected].

If you need support now, the National Gambling Helpline gives confidential advice and support to anyone affected by gambling in England, Scotland and Wales. You can speak to us for free, 24/7 on 0808 8020 133, or online.