She joined a host of leading experts and shared her harrowing experience at the second annual International Interdisciplinary Colloquium of the Bristol Hub for Gambling Harms Research at the University of Bristol on Thursday on 10 October. The Hub works closely with those with lived experience of gambling harms to raise awareness of the potential devastating consequences of gambling and to ensure that research, prevention and treatment is as relevant and effective as possible.
Julie’s late husband’s habit, which destroyed their marriage and swallowed up to £1million, resulted in him committing suicide three years ago leaving her behind with their two children.
Determined for something positive to emerge from the wreckage, Julie now provides peer support as an aftercare coordinator with Betknowmore UK to people experiencing gambling harms. The mum-of-two was amongst the colloquium speakers, who also included global researchers, regulators, treatment and support practitioners, and policy experts.