A gambling support group set up by reforming addicts and ‘affected others’ is set to branch out into Cumbria.

The volunteer-led Gambling Harms North West Alliance (GHNWA) is a ‘one-stop shop’ for compulsive gamblers which chairman Terry Kilgariff says provides speedy access to services.

“That might be financial advice or support,” he said.

“It might be counselling; in other words, mental health support.

“It might be legal advice and support, because people might be just about to be thrown out of their houses.”

And the group, which is currently primarily based in the Lancashire, Merseyside and Greater Manchester areas, is looking to expand and reach more people through a pilot scheme across the North West and the South West.

Mr Kilgariff, 63, is a former compulsive gambler. He now describes himself as a ‘compulsive non-gambler’.

He said his addiction led to seven failed relationships, 26 different homes, time spent on the streets and attempts to take his own life.

“My mission in life is to stop people going through what I’ve been through, but also what I’ve put other people through,” he said.

He called on people to join a digital conference taking place this Friday.

The event will train the spotlight on ‘affected others’ – those impacted by compulsive gamblers – profiling their needs and highlighting support available. It will feature a host of national and international speakers.

GHNWA has an alliance with the Beacon Counselling Trust and the Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust. It already has contacts in Cumbria but is looking to spread its reach.

To do this, it will need to expand its staff. Members of the group will be making a short presentation outlining costings at this Friday’s event.

Jonathan Cooper, of Windermere, is a member of GHNWA and a former compulsive gambler.

Mr Cooper, 46, whose addiction led him to financial ruin and attempted suicide, emphasised the importance of the conference.

He said: “For every problem gambler, there are affected others who require individualised support for the full effects of gambling harm they may have experienced themselves.”

He wants affected others to realise there is support available to them through GHNWA and that they can receive advice and help from those with lived experiences.

To sign up to the ‘Guilty By Association – The Unspoken Impact of Gambling Related Harms’ virtual conference, taking place between 10am and noon, visit eventbrite.co.uk.