Martin’s Story

Martin was referred to CARA following a domestic abuse incident during a previous relationship.

Alongside exploring his own patterns and behaviours in relationships, both healthy and unhealthy, during the workshops, Martin also spoke about his gambling addiction and his mental health struggles since the arrest three months prior. He said he wanted to speak to someone about his emotions and learn more about himself to change the way he manages his addiction, and actively sought further conversation with facilitators during break times. With signposting being a key element of the CARA intervention, facilitators shared details of local gambling support services with Martin, and he is now exploring long-term therapeutic options with them. He also received additional support from Hampton Trust through the Caring Dad’s intervention, which he learned about during CARA.

Martin said that he was very grateful for the opportunity to speak openly about his experience with gambling and the issues from his previous relationship that led him to CARA. He said he was aware of needing some support for his mental health and gambling addiction, but didn’t know where to start. He shared that CARA was really helpful for him to recognise the importance of accessing support now before his daughter grows up, demonstrating a strengthening of his motivation to change.