As the other men sit quietly, the mature adult male therapist encourages the emotionally distressed mid adult male veteran.

Addiction can affect anyone, regardless of role or background, and its impact on the workplace is often underestimated. From alcohol dependency to gambling addiction, these struggles can lead to absenteeism, decreased productivity, and mental health challenges — but with the right approach, employers can foster a culture of support, not stigma.

In this powerful and honest webinar, Nisha Chandra, a Detective and Outreach Officer at the Metropolitan Police who has overcome alcohol addiction, and Harj Gahley, an international speaker who battled a gambling addiction and £250K debt, will share their lived experiences. They’ll discuss the realities of addiction in professional environments, how businesses can better support affected employees, and steps to create a workplace where individuals feel safe seeking help.

What’s covered in the webinar:

  • The impact of addiction — both personally and professionally
  • How to recognise the signs of addiction in employees
  • Breaking the stigma: fostering an open and supportive workplace culture
  • Employer responsibilities: policies, support systems, and best practices
  • Advice for individuals currently struggling with addiction
  • Insights from lived experiences and real-world recovery journeys

Speakers

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Clare Keniry
Head of Diversity and Inclusion

Clare Keniry, Board Director and Head of Diversity & Inclusion at Morgan Hunt, has over 20 years of recruitment experience across the UK and Australia. She leads the push for a diverse and inclusive culture within the company. Morgan Hunt is dedicated to helping organisations create genuinely diverse workplaces.

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Harj Gahley
Change Maker, Recovery Advocate and Inspirational Speaker

From being £250,000 in gambling debt to finding purpose and redemption, Harj Gahley’s journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. His personal experience with gambling addiction, financial ruin, and near-tragedy has shaped his mission to educate, support, and inspire others trapped in similar struggles.As the Director of Red Card Gambling, Harj has dedicated his life to raising awareness about the hidden dangers of gambling and advocating for systemic change. He has empowered hundreds to begin their recovery journey, with his work saving at least 10 lives from suicidal intentions.Harj’s message of hope and resilience has reached audiences at the House of Lords, House of Commons, and through features on BBC, ITV, The Financial Times, The Guardian, and The Mirror.His commitment to creating lasting change continues to inspire individuals and communities, ensuring that no one feels alone in their battle with addiction.

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Nisha Chandra-Square
Detective at Metropolitan Polica

Nisha is a Punjabi Cockney female detective, TEDx speaker and passionate advocate for breaking South Asian taboos. She uses her platform to spark real conversations about alcohol addiction, baby loss and female empowerment, pushing for real change in communities that need it most. With her straight talking approach and lived experience, Nisha is dedicated to challenging stigmas and inspiring others to speak their truth.

Watch the full recording below