Duncan Garvie, Founder of gambling harm tool BetBlocker, has welcomed Monica Shafaq as the new Director of Strategy and Partnerships.
Shafaq carries a comprehensive career experience when it comes to problem gambling, having previously held the Chief Executive Officer position at Gordon Moody, a prominent UK charity specialising in gambling harm treatment.
She’s also a mental health expert, having carried the Chief Executive Officer title for 13 years at mental health and wellbeing organisation the Kaleidoscope Plus Group. Besides that, she’s quite versed in the UK sports scene, particularly football, evidenced in her past work with numerous football charities.
At BetBlocker, which was set up by Garvie with the purpose of aiding bettors who have a problematic gambling behaviour, Shafaq will certainly be a valuable asset in rebuilding their lives back up.
Garvie added: “I’ve had the privilege of getting to know Monica over the last few years, and have found her to be a principled and compassionate person of rare calibre. I’m proud to call her a friend.
“Over the last six months, Monica has been supporting BetBlocker, working with us to improve our funding applications, build out our strategic positioning, and grow our relationships with the right stakeholders in the UK. In all of these areas we have been enriched by Monica’s contributions.
“I’d hoped to make this announcement a lot earlier than today, but life rarely goes entirely to plan. However, even with the extra time, I still find myself a little disbelieving that someone of Monica’s standing and talent would consider taking a role on our team. “Can’t believe our luck”, would seem an appropriate description.
“Yet I could say that about each of the members of our team. I have consistently been blessed to work with amazing people. And without that, BetBlocker would not be where it is today.
“So I hope my network will join me in wishing Monica a warm welcome to the team!”