
Gordon Moody
- Founded
- 1971-01-01 in South London, United Kingdom
- Headquarters
- Nationwide, United Kingdom
Gordon Moody is the United Kingdom's leading charity dedicated exclusively to providing specialist residential treatment, therapy, and long-term support for individuals and families severely affected by gambling-related harm. Founded in 1971 by Reverend Gordon Moody MBE, the charity originated as the first residential facility for problem gamblers in South London. Over five decades, it has grown into a multi-service provider operating three residential treatment centres, an intensive Retreat & Counselling programme, a Recovery House for relapse prevention, and online support via Gambling Therapy. Gordon Moody treats the most severe cases of gambling addiction and has expanded its annual treatment capacity from 120 to 270 places, with further expansion underway. The charity is a key partner in the UK’s National Gambling Treatment Service, funded by donations, grants, and partnerships with NHS England, the Entain Foundation, and GambleAware. In 2024, Monica Shafaq became CEO, leading the organisation into its next chapter of growth and impact.
Detailed Review
History & Founding
Gordon Moody was established in 1971 by the Reverend Gordon Moody MBE, a Methodist clergyman and long-time campaigner against problem gambling. After serving as Secretary of the Churches’ Council on Gambling from 1958, Moody founded the first Gamblers Anonymous group in England in 1964 and later opened the country’s first residential treatment facility for gambling addicts, Gordon Moody House, in South London. The charity was formally incorporated as the Gordon Moody Association in 2007 and continues to operate under the name Gordon Moody.
Services & Programmes
Gordon Moody offers a tiered system of care including structured residential treatment programmes for men and women, an intensive Retreat & Counselling short-stay programme, a Recovery House for relapse prevention, and Gambling Therapy – a free online support platform available worldwide. The charity also provides dedicated support for friends and family affected by a loved one’s gambling addiction, along with outreach aftercare and an alumni project that includes lived-experience sessions.
Partnerships & Funding
Gordon Moody collaborates with NHS England, GambleAware, the Entain Foundation, Birches Health (USA), and football clubs such as Redditch United. It works with the University of Birmingham on research into women’s experiences of gambling harm. In 2025, the charity partnered with Birches Health to create a cross-border referral pathway for gambling addiction treatment. Funding comes from donations, grants, and these partnerships.
Impact & Expansion
Between 2020 and 2024, Gordon Moody increased its annual treatment capacity from 120 to 270 places, with a new West Midlands facility expected to raise that number to 350. Applications for treatment rose 43% in 2023 alone. The charity is recognised for high success rates compared to national averages and plays a leading role in shaping UK policy on gambling harm reduction. In 2024, Monica Shafaq succeeded interim CEO Matthew Hickey to lead the organisation.
Key Products
Residential Treatment Centres
Specialist inpatient facilities for men and women (aged 18+) offering structured, therapeutic recovery programmes for severe gambling addiction.
Gordon Moody Recovery House
A supported living environment for relapse prevention and aftercare following completion of residential treatment.
Wrap-Around Support
Pre- and post-treatment care designed to reduce dropout rates and ensure seamless continuity of care for service users.
Family and Friends Programme
Dedicated support, advice, and counselling for partners, relatives, and friends of individuals experiencing gambling harm.
Birches Health Collaboration (Referral Pathway)
A strategic partnership with US-based Birches Health to establish a trusted referral pathway between the UK and USA, expanding access to specialist gambling addiction treatment.
Residential Treatment Programmes
Structured, live-in recovery for men and women with severe gambling addiction, delivered in dedicated centres.
Retreat & Counselling
Intensive short-term residential programme with continued at-home support.
Retreat & Counselling Programme
An intensive programme combining a short residential stay with ongoing community-based counselling and support.
Gambling Therapy (Global)
A free, multilingual online service providing live chat, email support, and self-help resources to anyone affected by problem gambling worldwide.
Recovery House
Relapse-prevention and aftercare living for those transitioning from treatment to independent life.
Gambling Therapy
Global online platform offering free practical advice, emotional support, and counselling for problem gamblers and affected others.
Family & Friends Support
Programmes and resources for individuals supporting a loved one with a gambling problem.
Outreach Aftercare & Alumni Project
Post-treatment mentoring, peer support, and lived-experience sessions.
Pre-treatment Assessment & Warm Handover
Support for individuals before entering treatment and seamless transition into services.
Offices & Headcount
125 employees (approx.)
Key Persons
- Monica Shafaq
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- Claire Arnold
Chair of Trustees
Recent News

Gordon Moody Secures NHS Funding as UK Gambling Support Sector Navigates Transition
Gordon Moody has secured NHS England funding to continue providing gambling harm treatment in England, easing immediate financial pressure but highlighting ongoing structural challenges in the UK's transition to a new funding framework for support services.
2026-07-20
Gordon Moody Secures NHS England Funding to Support Gambling Harm Services
Gordon Moody has signed a funding deal with NHS England to secure continued support for its gambling harm treatment services, though financial terms remain undisclosed. The charity also recently restructured its operations and intends to collaborate with NHS England and other partners to broaden access to care.
2026-07-17