The aim of our Gambling Support Service is to increase the awareness of gambling related harm by broadening people’s understanding and raising this as a public health issue which needs a collaborative approach to provide as many people with the help and support they needs as possible.
Our service has been commissioned by GambleAware – an independent charity which funds research, education and treatment services across Britain to help reduce gambling related harm.
Gambling-related harms are the adverse impacts from gambling on the health and wellbeing of individuals, families, communities and society; and can show in many ways – debt, violence, low self-esteem, breakdown of a relationship – the list goes on. In England and Wales, around 430,000 people have a gambling problem – and a further two million are at risk of developing one. Reports also tell us that 6-10 additional people can be directly affected by someone else’s gambling – raising the number of people who could be affected to as high as 4 million.
“It’s crucial that we promote the same public health approach to gambling harm as we have to drugs and alcohol. By normalising these conversations, we can work together to prevent further harm and ensure that those who need further support get timely access to it.”
Evan Hook, Gambling Support Service Project Lead
We work to reduce gambling related harm in three ways.
With the gambling industry growing each year, we recognise the need to improve awareness and understanding of this issue – as well as the support which is available for those affected.
If you would like to know more about the service, would like us to speak at one of your events or are interested in accessing our training – we don’t charge fees for any of our services, so click here to get in touch.
