Ben Jones

I started gambling regularly at University on sports such as football, cricket, and rugby and pretty quickly it took over my life and set me on a 10-year crippling addiction that took over every aspect of my life. At its worst, I was gambling almost every second of every day and resorted to stealing money from my employer to fund my addiction. I was eventually caught and faced prosecution for fraud and it was during this period where I turned my life around and got the help and support that I needed.

By the time I was sentenced to 3 years in prison a year later, I had turned my life around and knew that I wanted to help others who were suffering from gambling addiction. Since my release, I have secured a role in frontline services supporting people who are often at the very lowest point in their life. I also facilitate gambling awareness workshops in schools, faith groups, and workplaces to raise awareness o the potential dangers of harmful gambling.

Now that I am in sustained recovery, I can be the person I was never able to be during that time. I am able to give more time and attention to my wife and daughters, and am no longer consumed by the thoughts of what my next bet will be.

In my experience, recovery is unique and individualistic. No two people recover in the same way and as a recovery coach, it’s my job to guide you on that journey and help you find the path that works for you.

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