The network of lottery recipients has been described by the organisation as 'one of the most valuable things we do'
A secret WhatsApp group has emerged as a lifeline for National Lottery millionaires, offering them a rare space to connect with others who understand the bewildering experience of overnight wealth.
Within this private community, some of Britain's wealthiest lottery recipients exchange holiday photographs, swap recommendations, and discuss philanthropic ventures they are funding.
Andy Carter, the National Lottery's so-called "fixer," said: "Actually, you are on your own.
"You probably don't know someone else who's won. There's a community of winners, so they get introduced to each other."
Mr Carter, a married father of two based in Cardiff, has spent two decades guiding more than 2,500 winners through the challenge of managing a combined £4billion in sudden wealth.
He describes this network of lottery recipients as "one of the most valuable things we do."
Operators Allwyn UK provide practical help and advice, including ensuring those who opt for publicity enjoy a "good day and lots of keepsakes" such as champagne glasses from their photoshoot.
Mr Carter told the Daily Mail: "There are events where they go off and do stuff together and actually friendships are forged because they're able to say, 'well, what did you feel like when you won?'"
The conversations within the group tend to be warm and encouraging, with members welcoming newcomers, celebrating each other's achievements, and sharing details of charitable causes close to their hearts.
Mr Carter added: "Also it is sharing the holiday pictures, it is saying, have you been here? It is saying have you tried this?"
The actual size of each person's winnings is firmly off-limits in the chat.
He said: "If you put someone in a room who's won £1million and £10million and £20million, they've all got the same wacky experience."
Members recently gave a "millionaire makeover" to a pre-school garden at Sacrewell Farm near Peterborough.
Another team hosted a lunch at Cegin Hedyn, a community kitchen in Carmarthen.
Membership of the group is restricted to winners who have chosen to reveal their identities publicly, since allowing anonymous participants could risk exposing their secret.
Mr Carter says this sense of community is frequently cited as one of the key advantages of "taking the plaster off" and stepping into the spotlight.
Beyond the WhatsApp group, the National Lottery runs wellbeing courses designed to help recipients adjust, though Mr Carter stresses the importance of maintaining contact with fellow winners.
He said: "If you have won the lottery, the best thing you can do is go and have a cup of tea with someone else who has won."
The group could soon welcome even bigger winners following last month's UK launch of Powerball, where jackpots have already surpassed £390million.
