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Liverpool City Council Campaign

Welcome to the Chapter One campaign page.

This page holds all the resources you need to promote the Chapter One campaign across Liverpool City.

If you have any questions about the campaign please email hello@chapter-one.org.

Support for anyone affected by gambling.

If gambling is affecting you or someone you care about, click here for information, support, and help available locally.

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"If Only I Knew" Campaign

To experience Chapter One in full, follow the campaign on Instagram.

Chapter One | Liverpool City Council Campaign

Press release

We’ve launched a new public health campaign that exposes the design and marketing tactics behind gambling harm, told directly through the voices of those with lived experience. If you’re interested in covering the campaign, arranging interviews, or accessing assets, please let us know - we’d be happy to help.

Powerful new campaign exposes modern-day gambling through lived experience  

A pioneering public-health campaign is launching across Liverpool this month to expose the manipulative design and marketing tactics of modern-day gambling through the lens of people with lived experience of gambling harm. 

The campaign, titled “If I only knew” features insights from people who have been impacted by gambling to help young people recognise how gambling companies design products, marketing strategies and their business model, as well as showing the benefits of stopping and getting help. 

The campaign has been developed by national gambling harm prevention organisation Chapter One in partnership with Liverpool City Council.   

James Grimes, Director of Chapter One said:  
“When I was struggling with gambling, I wish I knew that it’s almost impossible to win in the long run, and that gambling harms aren’t about luck or self-control — modern-day gambling is designed to keep us hooked. We hope once people see this campaign, they will see those affected in a different way.”  

 

Professor Matthew Ashton, Director of Public Health at Liverpool City Council said:  

“Gambling harm is a public-health issue that affects people, families and communities across Liverpool. This new campaign is tackling the root causes of gambling harm by focusing on the commercial determinants of health, as well as showing hope by involving people with lived experience. Our goal is for this campaign to reduce stigma and empower young people in the city to live healthier and happier lives.”    

Recent data shows that 2.7% of the population are experiencing “problem gambling”, with many more suffering lower levels of harm, affected by someone else's gambling or at risk. This has prompted the Department of Health to focus on gambling in the newly published Men’s Health Strategy.  

The campaign will run across social media over the coming weeks and is backed by local partners including the NHS North West Gambling Service which has a clinic in Liverpool City Centre.  

NHS North West Gambling Service Clinical Lead, Dr Matt Gaskell MBE said:   

“I’m delighted to support this public health campaign for people across Liverpool. We must not stigmatise those for using modern forms of commercial gambling as they are intended, which is for regular and prolonged use. This is gambling harm by design. It is high time we shine a lens on the root causes of gambling harm, which are the problem products and practices of the gambling industry. By being more compassionate to those harmed we will encourage them, and their families, to seek the support freely and widely available across the city”  

Councillor Harry Doyle said:

“Gambling harm often goes unnoticed, yet its impact on individuals, families, and communities can be devastating. Too many people suffer in silence, facing financial hardship and serious mental health challenges. We are committed to continuing this work alongside our partners, taking proactive action to prevent harm and provide help where it’s needed most.” 

 

Get involved

Follow our live campaign on Instagram. If you need any social media assets to help you promote Chapter One across your social media channels, please email hello@chapter-one.org. For example copy, a suggested caption is provided below for you to use:

"We’re proud to be supporting @Chapter_One_Dot_Org's  “If only I knew” public health campaign.

This pioneering campaign shines a light on modern gambling - including the commercial factors that can impact mental health and relationships, particularly for young men.

Through real stories and lived experience, it shows that it’s never too late to take a positive step, while helping to reduce stigma and encourage people to seek support earlier.

If you’re struggling with gambling, or know someone who might be, support is available from @Chapter_One_Dot_org via the LinkTree.

About Chapter One:

Chapter One provides information and support for everyone affected by gambling, and training for professionals.

Created by those with personal and professional experience, Chapter One gives the facts on the causes and effects of gambling harm, along with how to access protective tools and effective treatment options.

Visit the website: www.chapter-one.org

Comms Contact:

Scott Woolley | scottw@chapter-one.org | 07934622976

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