November 23, 2024

First female gambling support group ‘EmpowerHER’ launched in Ireland

Ireland now has a groundbreaking support network dedicated to women affected by problem gambling – which emanates from both land-based casinos and online casinos. Extern Problem Gambling has launched the EmpowerHER Recovery Network to provide a safe and non-judgmental environment for recovery.

This is a free service for any woman that needs it. Problem gambling is a growing concern in Ireland and affects more than 2.9% of the adult female population, according to the Economic and Social Research Institute’s (ESRI) 2023 study.

The research found that for many women, the stigma attached to gambling at minimum bet sportsbooks and online casinos can be even more severe than for men. It said this underscored the urgent need for female-specific support services, as women remain significantly under-represented in current treatment and support networks.

The company said there was a need for a gender-specific approach to treatment because it had never been more urgent. Unlike existing services that may not fully address the unique challenges women face, EmpowerHER was created to focus entirely on women, providing them with the specialized tools, resources, and support needed to reclaim control over their lives.

 The need to make it easier for women gamblers to come forward

Extern Problem Gambling said this service was crucial because of the growing stigma around women gamblers suffering from problem gambling.

Barry Grant, a counsellor with Extern Problem Gambling, said: “We need to make it easier for women to come forward. This new service is badly needed in Ireland in order to reduce stigma around women who experience harm from their own gambling – and to encourage help-seeking.”

“Help-seeking by women in Ireland has always been at disproportionately low rates. Currently, only 10% of people who access our counselling service, to work on their own recovery, are women, while recent research from the ESRI found that over 45% of people with gambling problems in Ireland are women,” he said.

Grant added that in the United Kingdom and other parts of the world, there were numerous services for women suffering from gambling addiction. These included help from female experts with lived experiences that made it easier for women to seek help. He alluded to the fact that sharing stories of recovery helps others take the first step to recovery.

 The network led by women with lived gambling experiences

EmpowerHER is spearheaded by Claire Donegan, a cognitive behavioural hypnotherapist and a woman who understands the harsh realities of gambling addiction firsthand. Donegan’s lived experience with top online casinos makes her uniquely qualified to lead this service, combining professional expertise with personal insight.

She wants to ensure that women who may feel ashamed or isolated in their struggles can find comfort, solidarity, and the support they need to make the first step.

“There is so much stigma around gambling because many people don’t understand how this can be an addictive behaviour. Women are often afraid to come forward and admit that they are struggling because they are fearful of how they will be judged by others,” she said in a press statement.

She said her hope was that through this safe space, barriers would be broken down to help motivate women to take the first step towards recovery.

“I am excited to be leading this new service and to be able to provide a much-needed outlet for women experiencing harm from their own gambling,” she added.

Donegan emphasizes that the network is more than just a support group – it’s a personalized journey.

One of the standout features of the network is its free and confidential nature. Their services include:

Dedicated Skills Workshops: Interactive workshops that teach practical skills for managing gambling triggers, stress, and emotions.
One-on-One Peer Coaching: Individualized support from women who have successfully overcome their own gambling struggles.
An in-depth Recovery Toolkit: Tailored tools and resources designed to help women navigate their recovery journey.
Group Meetings: A safe space for women to share their experiences and receive support from others in similar situations.
Non-judgmental and confidential Spaces: A core tenet of the service, ensuring that women feel safe and supported throughout their recovery.

The Rising Tide of Gambling Harm Among Women

The ESRI’s 2023 study revealed that 2.9% of adult women are now grappling with gambling-related harm – a figure that has surged dramatically from the previous report in 2019. This increase highlights a gap in support services that specifically address the needs of women.

To further shine a light on the issue of gambling harm among women, Extern has also launched a new season of their ‘Problem Gambling Podcast’, dedicated to sharing the stories of women whose lives have been impacted by gambling addiction. The series aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and show women that recovery is possible.

These personal accounts serve as both cautionary tales and beacons of hope, offering insight into the challenges women face and the strength required to overcome them. By making these stories public, Extern hopes to inspire more women to step forward and seek the help they need. And it doesn’t matter where the gambling addiction emanated from – whether it was from online casinos or minimum bet sportsbooks.

The network’s call for Change

The launch of the EmpowerHER Recovery Network marks a critical shift in how responsible gambling and addiction is approached in Ireland. With women significantly underrepresented in current treatment programs, this group is a beacon of hope for those who have struggled in silence.

The message from both Donegan and Grant is clear: support is available, and no woman should feel ashamed or afraid to ask for help.

For women across Ireland, North and South, the Network is now open and ready to provide support. Whether you’re just beginning your recovery journey or seeking additional resources, there is a personalized, judgment-free path to healing.