Dear GamLEARN family,
I can never thank you enough for the support I have received and continue to receive from your team over the last 4 months whilst I have been going through the Criminal Justice System. Due to my gambling addiction, I stole a large sum of money from my employer.
My crime was uncovered in in September 2022 and I had to wait until January 2023 before I was even interviewed by the police. The police officer that interviewed me was so caring and compassionate she even called my GP the following day as she was so concerned about my mental health. But I still didn’t receive any support nor was I sign posted anywhere, which I find so upsetting as the help is out there but when you are so low you don’t look for that support yourself. In my head I was evil and a criminal and didn’t deserve to be helped or be happy in my life.
In August 2023 I received the court summons I told no one not even my family.
September 2023, I attend magistrates court alone, I had a duty solicitor who I explained everything to. The case was sent to the Crown Court but still no sign posting to help !
Fast forward to November 2023 I looked for help for my gambling addiction, and was accepted in December 2023 to enter rehabilitation, this is when I knew I had to tell my adult children. They really did support me, but I felt even more ashamed for what I was putting them through now.
In January 2024, I started rehabilitation at Gordon Moody a Charity supporting people in rehabilitation, which I would highly recommend to anyone. Whilst there I asked if there was anyone who could support me through the court process, they didn’t know of anyone. Towards the end of my stay, we had visitors and one of them was Tracey she explained her story and I felt an immediate connection that someone else had been through this ! I took the opportunity to talk to Tracey afterwards as I had so many questions for her. Tracey was brilliant, my guardian angel. Tracey contacted Reece who is the Criminal Justice Support Lead for GamLEARN, and made arrangements for Reece to contact me.
Since then, I have had weekly contact if not more with both Tracey and Reece. The moral support and advice they have given me has been invaluable, and always had valuable words of wisdom for me. They have explained to me that things would be ok, and I could get through whatever punishment the courts decided to sentence me. They prepared me for a possible situation of a prison sentence, which made it not so scary, Reece engaged with my solicitor to ensure they where aware of the gambling harm I had suffered. Tracey and Reece travelled to support me in court, and I truly cannot thank them enough for their support and their genuine care.
Lots more work needs to continue to sign post people that will be going into the criminal justice system they’re genuine heartfelt support can benefit so many people caught in this life destroying addiction.
I hate to think where I would be today if it wasn’t for the love and support shown to me by GamLEARN. Most definitely in a prison cell right now or even worse…..
I was lucky to get a suspended sentence and I truly believe the work these guys do was the reason.
I now have a future and can honestly say it’s a future I look forward to embracing and moving forward with.
Lisa x
If you, or someone you love, are impacted by gambling related crime, contact us on support@dev-gamlearn.brightonwebdesign-hosting.com.
To find out more about our support service please click here.
