Empowering Change Through Lived Experience, Awareness, Education and Prevention
The Hidden Addiction: A personal story of gambling harm and recovery
In collaboration with Step Change in Safety, we produced this video to raise awareness of gambling-related harm in the energy sector.This powerful film shares a lived experience story to highlight the hidden risks and real-life consequences of gambling addiction in high-pressure industries. By opening up the conversation, we aim to break stigma, encourage early intervention, and promote safer, more supportive workplaces across the energy sector.
Changing the Narrative on Gambling Harm
We are an independent organisation founded and driven by individuals with lived experiences of gambling-related harm and domestic abuse. Our mission is to provide comprehensive awareness, education and prevention programmes across diverse sectors, including the oil and gas industry, private enterprises, and statutory agencies.
What We Do – Awareness, Education and Prevention
Our goal is to reshape the narrative surrounding gambling by enhancing knowledge and awareness. Through targeted education and training, we create safer, more supportive workplaces. We empower individuals and organisations to take proactive steps in addressing gambling-related harm.
The Impact – "Driving Social Change and Safer Workplaces
Ultimately, our efforts are geared towards reducing the risk of gambling-related harm and improving social impact by promoting healthier environments and communities. We are committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by gambling-related harm, we strive to be a catalyst for positive change.
Founded by Experience, Driven by Purpose
Impact – Inspire is an independent organisation founded and driven by the understanding of lived experience, we provide Awareness, Education and prevention programmes across diverse sectors, including Oil and Gas, Private Enterprise, and Statutory Agencies. Our mission is to equip organisations with the knowledge and tools to foster safer, more supportive environments where the risks associated with gambling-related harm and its devastating consequences on mental health and workplace performance is effectively addressed.
What We Do – Awareness, Education and Prevention
Our goal is to reshape the narrative surrounding gambling by enhancing knowledge and awareness. Through targeted education and training, we create safer, more supportive workplaces. We empower individuals and organisations to take proactive steps in addressing gambling-related harm.
The Impact – "Driving Social Change and Safer Workplaces
Ultimately, our efforts are geared towards reducing the risk of gambling-related harm and improving social impact by promoting healthier environments and communities. We are committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by gambling-related harm, we strive to be a catalyst for positive change.
Founded by Experience, Driven by Purpose
Impact – Inspire is an independent organisation founded and driven by the understanding of lived experience, we provide Awareness, Education and prevention programmes across diverse sectors, including Oil and Gas, Private Enterprise, and Statutory Agencies. Our mission is to equip organisations with the knowledge and tools to foster safer, more supportive environments where the risks associated with gambling-related harm and its devastating consequences on mental health and workplace performance is effectively addressed.
At Impact-Inspire, we are dedicated to supporting organisations in making a positive and lasting social impact. Through our comprehensive gambling-related harm awareness sessions, we partner with oil and gas companies, as well as private-sector organisations, to address a critical issue that affects the well-being of employees and the broader workplace culture.
Gambling-related harm can have far-reaching effects on individuals, their families, and their professional lives. By proactively raising awareness and providing employees with the knowledge, resources, and support to recognise and manage gambling risks, we aim to reduce the negative consequences that can impact both personal and workplace performance. These sessions are designed to foster a healthier and more balanced workforce, supporting mental health, improving employee morale, and workplace conflicts associated with Gambling Related Harm.
Beyond immediate well-being, these efforts align with corporate social responsibility (CSR) by promoting a culture of care and responsibility. As organisations become increasingly focused on sustainable, ethical practices, addressing gambling harm demonstrates a commitment to the long-term health and success of employees. It also underscores a proactive approach to risk management, ensuring that companies can mitigate the potential impacts of gambling harm on both their workforce and their bottom line.
Investing in these awareness sessions not only contributes to a healthier, more productive workplace but also enhances a company’s reputation as a leader in employee care, mental health advocacy, and social responsibility. Together, we can create lasting positive change that benefits both your organisation and the wider community.
Oil & Gas
- Strengthen safety culture by addressing gambling-related stress, distraction, and fatigue in high-risk environments.
- Promote mental resilience through tailored support for addiction and emotional well-being in isolated offshore settings.
- Foster a supportive culture that reduces stigma and empowers employees to seek help without fear.
- Deliver industry-specific insight from lived experience within oil and gas -ensuring relevance, relatability, and real impact.
Private Enterprises
- Promote employee well-being with compassionate support for gambling addiction, domestic abuse, and mental health challenges—often hidden in high-performing teams.
- Build a resilient culture through awareness sessions that reduce stigma, encourage help-seeking, and foster psychological safety.
- Empower your people with lived experience insights and practical tools to navigate personal challenges and thrive professionally.
- Safeguard your business by addressing gambling-related fraud, financial stress, and productivity loss across all levels of your workforce.
Statutory Agencies
- Enhance frontline response by equipping staff with the tools to identify, manage, and support individuals affected by gambling harm and domestic abuse.
- Strengthen community well-being through early intervention and trauma-informed training that addresses the root causes of harm.
- Empower professionals with lived experience insights that foster empathy, reduce stigma, and improve service delivery.
- Drive systemic change by embedding awareness and prevention into the
culture of statutory services—creating safer, more resilient communities.
The Human Cost – “Gambling Harm: A Hidden Crisis”
Gambling harm shatters lives, mental well-being, and careers. Tragically, research reveals a stark reality: individuals grappling with gambling disorder face a risk of suicide up to 10 times higher than the general population, with a staggering 70-76% also battling a history of depression. This human cost is compounded by significant losses for businesses, where problem gambling can lead to lost productivity, increased absenteeism, and decreased morale, estimated to cost UK businesses alone billions annually due to mental health-related issues.
For those working in high-pressure environments like the oil and gas industry or in overseas roles, these vulnerabilities can be amplified. Studies indicate that oil and gas workers experience higher rates of anxiety and depression compared to the general population, with some research suggesting nearly 20% suffer from a psychological disorder. The demanding nature of the work, including long periods of isolation, challenging living conditions, and safety-critical responsibilities, creates a fertile ground for mental health challenges to escalate.
When coupled with the accessibility of online gambling on offshore assets or during downtime overseas, the risk of gambling-related harm and its detrimental impact on mental well-being and safety is significantly heightened. Preoccupation with gambling can lead to loss of concentration, fatigue, and impaired judgment, creating serious safety risks, as tragically highlighted by lived experiences within the sector.
Enhancing Social Impact through Gambling Harm Awareness
At Impact-Inspire, we are dedicated to supporting organisations in making a positive and lasting social impact. Through our comprehensive gambling-related harm awareness sessions, we partner with oil and gas companies, as well as private-sector organisations, to address a critical issue that affects the well-being of employees and the broader workplace culture.
Gambling-related harm can have far-reaching effects on individuals, their families, and their professional lives. By proactively raising awareness and providing employees with the knowledge, resources, and support to recognise and manage gambling risks, we aim to reduce the negative consequences that can impact both personal and workplace performance. These sessions are designed to foster a healthier and more balanced workforce, supporting mental health, improving employee morale, and workplace conflicts associated with Gambling Related Harm.
Beyond immediate well-being, these efforts align with corporate social responsibility (CSR) by promoting a culture of care and responsibility. As organisations become increasingly focused on sustainable, ethical practices, addressing gambling harm demonstrates a commitment to the long-term health and success of employees. It also underscores a proactive approach to risk management, ensuring that companies can mitigate the potential impacts of gambling harm on both their workforce and their bottom line.
Investing in these awareness sessions not only contributes to a healthier, more productive workplace but also enhances a company’s reputation as a leader in employee care, mental health advocacy, and social responsibility. Together, we can create lasting positive change that benefits both your organisation and the wider community.
Who We Are
Director & Founder
I’m Samantha Lowe, a qualified integrative counsellor with over 30 years of experience supporting individuals through addiction and specialising in domestic abuse. My professional journey has taken me from working in treatment centres for gambling addiction, to women’s refuges, and supporting the homeless through rehabilitation and reintegration into society. While I’ve always worked on the front line of addiction and abuse, my focus in recent years has shifted more deeply into domestic abuse—driven by my own lived experience. I found myself caught in the cycle of coercive control, something known as trauma bonding. It’s a frightening and isolating experience, one that distorts your sense of self and reality. I began to question not just his behaviour, but my own—why I stayed, why I returned. Through research and reflection, I came to understand how domestic abuse rewires the brain, impairing its ability to respond to fear and danger in healthy ways. My work with Impact Inspire is a continuation of this journey. While supporting individuals affected by gambling-related harm, I saw a growing pattern of dual addictions—gambling, drugs, alcohol—often intertwined with domestic abuse and family breakdown. These experiences fuelled my passion to create awareness training that not only highlights the signs and impact of addiction and abuse but also empowers people with the knowledge to prevent harm before it begins. At Impact Inspire, we believe prevention is more powerful than cure. Our mission is to educate, support, and inspire change—because knowledge truly can save lives. Please explore the website and discover what we offer. Whether you’re seeking insight, support, or a way forward, I hope you find something here that helps you or someone you care about takes the next step toward healing.
Director & Founder
Hi, I’m Reece. I spent 15 years living with a gambling addiction that began as
entertainment but quickly spiralled into a destructive force in my life. My addiction led me to the brink of suicide and eventually to prison due to gambling-related crime. That experience changed everything. Professionally, I’ve worked across the construction, manufacturing, and oil and gas sectors, gaining firsthand insight into the pressures and culture within these industries. After beginning my recovery journey, I transitioned into the third sector, supporting individuals who, like me, had turned to crime to fund their gambling. Now, I’m proud to co-found Impact Inspire, where I use my lived experience to raise awareness of gambling-related harm—particularly within the oil and gas industry and private enterprises. My goal is to help others recognise the signs, understand the risks, and access the support they need before reaching crisis point. Recovery is possible, and awareness is the first step.
Non-Executive Director
I’m proud to serve as a non-executive director at Impact Inspire, where I bring my experience in building and scaling organisations to support the growth of our training and coaching programmes. Throughout my career, I’ve worked in advisory roles that focus on strategic development and sustainable impact—values that align closely with Impact-Inspires mission. I believe that through education, awareness, and the right support, we can make a real difference in preventing gambling-related harm. I’m excited to contribute to a cause that is both timely and deeply important.
Social Media Manager
With 4 years of experience as a social media manager across a diverse range of industries, I bring a strategic, data-driven approach to online engagement and brand storytelling. I’m passionate about using social media to connect people and spark action, and I’m excited to bring that energy to the important work being done at Impact – Inspire.
Director & Founder
I’m Samantha Lowe, a qualified integrative counsellor with over 30 years of experience supporting individuals through addiction and specialising in domestic abuse. My professional journey has taken me from working in treatment centres for gambling addiction, to women’s refuges, and supporting the homeless through rehabilitation and reintegration into society. While I’ve always worked on the front line of addiction and abuse, my focus in recent years has shifted more deeply into domestic abuse—driven by my own lived experience. I found myself caught in the cycle of coercive control, something known as trauma bonding. It’s a frightening and isolating experience, one that distorts your sense of self and reality. I began to question not just his behaviour, but my own—why I stayed, why I returned. Through research and reflection, I came to understand how domestic abuse rewires the brain, impairing its ability to respond to fear and danger in healthy ways. My work with Impact Inspire is a continuation of this journey. While supporting individuals affected by gambling-related harm, I saw a growing pattern of dual addictions—gambling, drugs, alcohol—often intertwined with domestic abuse and family breakdown. These experiences fuelled my passion to create awareness training that not only highlights the signs and impact of addiction and abuse but also empowers people with the knowledge to prevent harm before it begins. At Impact Inspire, we believe prevention is more powerful than cure. Our mission is to educate, support, and inspire change—because knowledge truly can save lives. Please explore the website and discover what we offer. Whether you’re seeking insight, support, or a way forward, I hope you find something here that helps you or someone you care about takes the next step toward healing.
Director & Founder
Hi, I’m Reece. I spent 15 years living with a gambling addiction that began as
entertainment but quickly spiralled into a destructive force in my life. My addiction led me to the brink of suicide and eventually to prison due to gambling-related crime. That experience changed everything. Professionally, I’ve worked across the construction, manufacturing, and oil and gas sectors, gaining firsthand insight into the pressures and culture within these industries. After beginning my recovery journey, I transitioned into the third sector, supporting individuals who, like me, had turned to crime to fund their gambling. Now, I’m proud to co-found Impact Inspire, where I use my lived experience to raise awareness of gambling-related harm—particularly within the oil and gas industry and private enterprises. My goal is to help others recognise the signs, understand the risks, and access the support they need before reaching crisis point. Recovery is possible, and awareness is the first step.
Non-Executive Director
I’m proud to serve as a non-executive director at Impact Inspire, where I bring my experience in building and scaling organisations to support the growth of our training and coaching programmes. Throughout my career, I’ve worked in advisory roles that focus on strategic development and sustainable impact—values that align closely with Impact-Inspires mission. I believe that through education, awareness, and the right support, we can make a real difference in preventing gambling-related harm. I’m excited to contribute to a cause that is both timely and deeply important.
Social Media Manager
With 4 years of experience as a social media manager across a diverse range of industries, I bring a strategic, data-driven approach to online engagement and brand storytelling. I’m passionate about using social media to connect people and spark action, and I’m excited to bring that energy to the important work being done at Impact – Inspire.
What We Offer
At Impact Inspire, we deliver targeted awareness sessions and support services designed to educate, protect, and empower businesses, individuals and communities. Our programmes address some of today’s most pressing social challenges, including gambling-related harm, fraud prevention, domestic abuse, and addiction. Through engaging workshops and confidential counselling, we help people recognise risks, build resilience, and access the support they need to lead safer, healthier lives.
Our Programs
• Gambling Harm Awareness
• Beyond the Platform
• Impact Talks
• Fraud Prevention Awareness
• Domestic Abuse Awareness
• One to one therapy sessions specialising in addictions and domestic abuse.