Gambling related harm – help for families. M-PACT (Moving Parents and Children Together) Programme – Forward Trust

News - 06 March 2024

Who is it for?

M-PACT stands for ‘Moving Parents and Children Together and is a whole family programme for children aged 8 years and over and their adult family members to talk about gambling related harms in a friendly, open and safe environment.

Who can attend M-PACT?

Children aged between 8 and 17 years old.

Any adult family member affected by someone else’s harmful gambling: e.g. partner/parent, stepparents, kinship carers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, other close members of the family.

An adult family member in recovery from harmful gambling.

Following assessment and whole family agreement, we can also support the family member who is gambling to attend.

How does M-PACT work?

Up to 8 families at a time can participate in an M-PACT Gambling programme delivered once-a-week for 8 weeks. Following that, families have an individual review session and a group reunion with fun activities. Each session lasts for approximately two-and-a-half to three hours. They are held after school and work hours.

Why use M-PACT?

The main benefits are:

  • Getting support for your whole family
  • Open and honest discussions about gambling and the impact it has had on your family, supported by trained staff in a safe environment.
  • Improved understanding of gambling and the harms caused
  • Improved family communication
  • Development of healthy coping strategies
  • Meeting others with shared experiences, building a community of support around you
  • M-PACT is designed to bring back family unity and togetherness. We understand gambling addiction can be consuming for anyone suffering and the family members around that person can be caught in the ripple effect of addiction and may need support themselves.

Results show that families gain a better understanding of gambling related harms, talk positively and more openly with each other and feel a better sense of connection within the family unit.

If you’re interested in referring yourself or someone to the M-PACT programme, please contact:

[email protected] / 07585580651

For more information please see website: M-PACT – The Brink