Gordon Moody has expanded its operational scope across the UK, launching a new treatment centre in Manchester after identifying increasing demand in the Northwest.

Opening the facility in partnership with mental health practitioner AnonyMind’s Manchester centre, Gordon Moody made the move after experiencing a 15% rise in applications in the region. 

This was more than any other area across the UK, with total applications for treatment throughout the country increasing by 123% on the previous year, attributed by the charity to the impacts of COVID-19 and lockdown conditions.

“We firmly believe we should tackle gambling addiction together,” said Matthew Hickey, Gordon Moody CEO. “And this is a perfect example of two expert organisations, Gordon Moody and Leon House, teaming up to meet the same goal of finding each individual the right level of treatment, at the right time, in the right place. 

“This is the first step in developing a working relationship between two treatment providers to scope and deliver the right services, in the right place, for those most in need of support to tackle their gambling addiction.”

He added: “Establishing this partnership allows us to move into the North West, and it gives us far greater reach to those ready and committed to rebuilding their lives free from a gambling addiction.”

The charity’s approach to treatment so far has included 14 week residential programmes, peer support and safe space provision as well as investment in alternative methods such as short-stay group-oriented Retreat and Counselling (R&C).

Cooperating with AnonyMind, Gordon Moody is pursuing a strategy of residential treatment for those affected by gambling related harm. The partners aim to ‘scope out and deliver’ services in areas identified as most in need of treatment. 

The duo cited research suggesting that 1.4 million people in the UK are experiencing gambling related harm, with up to 160 people not receiving treatment for every person who does access support.

“This is a perfect partnership, with the patient at the heart of the decision to collaborate,” remarked Andy Atha, Chief Operating Officer at AnonyMind.

“Our Residential Clinic, Leon House, is a Care Quality Commission (CQC) registered treatment facility with the capacity to support patients desperate for what Gordon Moody can provide. 

“I am sure this is only the beginning of how AnonyMind and Gordon Moody can significantly change how those individuals with gambling harm can receive the support they need.”

In addition to announcing its partnership with AnonyMind and the opening of a new Manchester treatment facility, Gordon Moody has also confirmed the addition of Nazir Badat as its Chair of Trustees.

An experienced financial services executive, Badat will sit on the Board of Trustees alongside eight others, following tenures at HSBC – where he was COO of Global Banking and Markets – as well as Morgan Stanely and UBS.

“I want Gordon Moody to lead and champion the discussion on treatment and rehabilitation options and reassure people it is never too late to ask for help,” Badat commented.

“My goal is that we will reach all parts of the community, to help people to reclaim and rebuild their lives free from gambling addiction in safe, supported environments by providing the most effective therapies, intervention and counselling possible. 

“The time for change is now, and I want to play my part in supporting some of the most vulnerable people in the UK to rebuild their lives.”

Badat further outlined that his role at Gordon Moody will see a focus on the ‘smooth running’ of the organisation as it expands its operations across the UK, whilst raising awareness of gambling addiction and its treatment. 

He noted that the charity is ‘seeing more people come forward to seek help’ for gambling related harm, which he identified as indicative of a ‘shift in perceptions within the community’ as well as progress on problem gambling issues. 

Hickey added: “Along with the rest of the Gordon Moody team, I am delighted to welcome Nazir as our new Chair of Trustees and I would also like to express our sincere thanks to our departing Chair, Lindsey Hayes who has worked tirelessly to advance our cause over the past seven years. 

“We are very excited to work with Nazir and move forward with our mission to provide the most innovative gambling therapy in the UK. Nazir’s experience of working across a wide range of organisations and communities will be a huge asset to Gordon Moody and his energy for achieving social change is exactly what we need right now.”

“I am looking forward to working with Nazir as we develop our strategy to be effective in a post pandemic world, keeping in sharp focus our goal of helping people to reclaim and rebuild their lives free from gambling addiction in safe, supported environments by providing the most effective therapies, intervention and counselling possible.”