Gambling harm is a public health issue, rather than an issue of individual choices and individual health. Addressing it requires a broad, multi-sector approach that brings together statutory and non-statutory partners to integrate data and evidence at a place-based population level, ensuring interventions are targeted according to local need.
This project is generating evidence on the barriers and key enablers to effective multi-agency working amongst voluntary and private sector organisations who are connecting with the NHS and local statutory services to reduce gambling harm
Context
Gambling harms intersect with mental health, debt, housing insecurity and wider inequalities, yet local services are often fragmented. By identifying what works – and for whom – in building integrated, multi-agency responses, this evaluation will inform future commissioning as Great Britain moves towards a statutory levy and integrated care systems. The findings will help ensure that people affected by gambling harms receive timely, holistic support wherever they live.
Mobilising Local Systems
Mobilising Local Systems (MLS) is a two-phase funding programme that supports ten Regional Boards across England, Scotland and Wales to build more joined-up, place-based systems for the prevention, early identification and treatment of gambling-related harms.
The Tavistock Institute of Human Relations was appointed as the independent learning and evaluation partner, working alongside boards, delivery partners and people with lived experience to ensure evidence and insight drive continuous improvement.
What we are doing
We are working closely with each of the regional boards to capture learning on what works best in building more joined-up local systems for the prevention, early identification and treatment of gambling-related harms.
This is being done via regular learning events to share emerging practice and foster peer support, the use of an online learning hub, and interviews with key stakeholders across all areas to create good-practice vignettes that showcase innovative, impactful approaches.
Persistence and relationship building
Successful engagement relies on identifying key stakeholders, building trust, and maintaining long-term collaboration. Overcoming initial resistance and securing ‘champions’ within organisations is critical.
"I’ve knocked on doors and I’ve rung the bell, and I’ve kicked the gate, and eventually you get there, but it does require persistence” (service provider)
Overcoming barriers to more co-operation
Challenges include structural, cultural, logistical and financial barriers, and differing organisational priorities. Addressing these barriers requires stronger coordination and joint working agreements.
Situating GRH in the wider public health agenda
Showing the relationship between, and the impact of, GRH on other public health concerns (such as mental health, financial insecurity, homelessness, drugs and alcohol) and linking it with the wider determinants of health improves engagement from agencies unfamiliar with GRH.
“We had someone with lived experience speak at our event, and you could see the impact – it went from an abstract issue to something real” (provider)
Making the case for addressing GRH
Demonstrating the scale and impact of GRH using local data and harnessing lived experience is key to gaining commitment from statutory services. This can be enhanced by highlighting existing working relationships with other public health teams or well-respected organisations locally to encourage others to get involved
“We showed them how gambling harm fits into their existing work rather than presenting it as something extra” (provider)
Strengthened engagement: a compelling offer that aligns with the priorities of potential partners
Engagement strategies that are data-driven, strategically targeted, and informed by lived experience to increase relevance across different sectors.
Effective leadership: to advance multi-agency working and secure long-term commitment from partners
Regional Board members who are willing to take risks and explore new engagement opportunities are positioning gambling harm within wider policy and public health agendas, building on the support of GambleAware and other strategic partners.
Organisational effectiveness: Regional Boards that operate effectively are better placed to initiate and sustain multi-agency collaboration
Board members that demonstrate how they are using evidence and data effectively are more likely to establish effective local partnerships.
How this work fits in
This work aligns with TIHR’s commitment to tackling inequality through participatory, systems-oriented research and evaluation. It builds on our recent studies for GambleAware and others on addiction, mental health and partnership working, and deepens our expertise in facilitating learning across complex programmes to drive meaningful, sustainable change.
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