Building Community Around Gambling Harm Awareness

Last week, the Ara Recovery For All Southwest team hosted our second Community Connector Launch Event in Bournemouth. Set at the beautiful Pavilion Dance South West, the event brought together professionals, partners and community members committed to raising awareness around gambling-related harm.

Led by Kai McConkey, who welcomed a vibrant mix of new and existing contacts, the day was filled with connection, learning, and powerful conversation.

A Day to Remember – Indoors and Out

With sunshine once again on our side, guests enjoyed lunch and informal networking in the Pavilion’s outdoor space. These moments of relaxed conversation offered the chance to strengthen relationships, share ideas, and build momentum for collective action.

Exploring Gambling Harm Through Theatre

One of the most memorable aspects of the event was a unique theatrical performance designed to highlight the realities of gambling harm. Originally sparked by a 2am idea, the concept took some convincing, but as the team came together to plan, design and support the production, it quickly became something special.

The feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. The performance proved that creative, courageous storytelling can open hearts and minds in a way traditional presentations sometimes cannot.

Accessibility, Creativity and Courage at the Core

As treatment providers, we believe it’s our responsibility to create spaces that are open, inclusive and human. Events like these are designed to break down barriers to information, reduce stigma, and encourage conversation.

Our goal is always to be brave in our delivery and safe and considered in our execution. This event reflected those values in every detail, from the content to the format.

Welcoming Our New Community Connectors

At the heart of the event was a call to join us as Community Connectors individuals who can carry the message of gambling harm awareness into their own organisations, networks and communities.

By normalising these conversations and signposting to support, our connectors play a crucial role in reaching more people and letting them know that help is just a phone call away.

Heartfelt Thanks

A special thank you goes to the guests with lived experience and affected others who spoke so openly and powerfully about their journeys. Your contributions were professional, moving and vital we couldn’t do this work without you.

Thanks also to:

• Sorrels Caterers Limited for providing delicious refreshments
• Boosters Limited for the tailored merchandise
• Pavilion Dance South West for the use of the beautiful space
• Paul Underhill for capturing the event through his outstanding photography

And, of course, to our fantastic team: Kai McConkey, Hayley Dinham, Lindsey Taylor, Charanjeet Singh, Matt L. and David Hewer. Thank you for your energy, passion and commitment.

Join the Conversation

If you or someone you know is affected by gambling harm, or if you’d like us to speak to your organisation about raising awareness and supporting change, we’d love to hear from you.

Visit Ara Recovery For All to find out more, or get in touch directly to start the conversation. You’re not alone support is only a call away.