Dr Matt Gaskell, Clinical Lead and Consultant Psychologist at the NHS Northern Gambling Service has been awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for “Services to People Experiencing Gambling Harm” in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours.

In his response statement (below) he dedicates the award “. . . to all those affected by preventable gambling-related harm, to the brilliant people who advocate for new gambling legislation, and to many amazing colleagues with whom I have worked over the years treating addictive behaviour.”

For over 25 years Matt has dedicated himself to the treatment and recovery of addictive behaviour and to developing and overseeing high quality evidence-based and compassionate services for those harmed by it.

Matt was born in Chorley, Lancashire, before moving to Ilkley in West Yorkshire aged 10. He joined the NHS in 2007 from the Home Office where he was Head of Addiction Treatment for the directorate of High Security Prisons. He became Clinical Lead for Addictions at Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LYPFT) in 2014 and started specialising in gambling treatment from 2018.

Matt then founded the NHS Northern Gambling Service, the first of its kind in the north of England, which opened its first clinic in September 2019. The Service has since expanded with six regional clinics in Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield, Newcastle and Preston. Matt’s teams have treated and supported thousands of individuals and their families since the first clinic opened its doors.

In addition to leading a successful clinical service, he has provided expert knowledge and advice to the UK Government on gambling related harm and has become an influential advocate for the overhaul of our gambling laws and regulations. His views on gambling harm, treatment and policy are in demand across the UK and internationally. He regularly appears in the media raising awareness that policies and commercial practices hazardous to health should be the priority for action, rather than problematising individuals who are impacted by their exposure.

He was employed as topic advisor for the recently implemented national clinical guidelines on harmful gambling, which ensure that identification and support for gambling harm will become part of routine clinical practice across the country. He is heavily involved in the current transformation to a joined-up evidence-based national treatment and support system for gambling related harm, ensuring a better deal for those harmed, including their families. He is also a lecturer in addiction at several universities at doctorate level, an expert witness, author, researcher, consultant and public voice for those affected by gambling-related harm.

Matt, who currently lives in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, with wife Judith and son Teddy, said: “I have been privileged to be connected to the courageous and moving recovery of so many people and families harmed by gambling and other addictive behaviour over the years.

“I’ve learned so much from their stories. They have inspired me to improve public services treating addiction, and to be a voice for their experience in calling for change. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to learn from, and work with, some of the best minds in addictive behaviour and public health. I’m very grateful to the NHS who have supported and trusted me to do my work.

“This award recognises that gambling harm is a public health crisis of our time. I will continue to strive to prioritise population health over the pursuit of profit, and to create healthier environments for our citizens to thrive in.

“I dedicate this award to all those affected by preventable gambling-related harm, to the brilliant people who advocate for new gambling legislation, and to many amazing colleagues with whom I have worked over the years treating addictive behaviour.

“Like so many others, I have experienced addiction in my family, which served to inspire my commitment to public service in this area. So, it’s an enormously proud moment for my family, and I look forward to sharing it with them and with my colleagues.”

Dr Sara Munro, Chief Executive of Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I’m so proud to see Matt receive this honour. He spearheaded the creation of the NHS Northern Gambling Service and has successfully expanded it from one clinic to several operating across the North of England today in five years.

“The NHS Northern Gambling Service saves people’s lives, supporting thousands of people, as well as their loved ones, to regain their lives after the harm caused by gambling addiction.

“Using his expertise and insights from the gambling service Matt also plays an important role in advising government and positively influencing national policy and legislation to reduce gambling harms. We are immensely grateful for all he does and his steadfast commitment to make meaningful change to protect vulnerable people in society.”