Gambling Harm Workplace training – Monday 15th April 2024
Working Well are thrilled to be working in partnership with John Gilham from Gambling Harm UK to offer a workplace Awareness session. Gambling Harm now features in the new MHFA England MHFAider training, so this session provides a value CPD opportunity.
A recent update from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities regarding gambling treatment need and support in England reported that there are almost 1.6 million adults who gamble and who may benefit from some type of treatment or support for harmful gambling.
They also reported that the numbers of children living in a household with an adult who gambles and who similarly might require treatment or support was estimated at 912,805 in England.
In addition to these children, there are also others who are affected by someone else’s gambling and for these their health and well-being can be significantly affected.
Collectively more than 10% of the population are affected directly or indirectly by gambling harm.
With gambling disorder often referred to as the invisible or hidden addiction would you be aware of some of the signs which could indicate someone maybe experiencing gambling harm.
Are you aware of the types of gambling harm and how you can access support or help someone else access support should they need it?
This short awareness session will help to introduce you to more details about gambling harm, give some background to how gambling harm can occur and why it is important to help to address the stigma associated with it, and reference some of the treatment and support services available and how to access them.
The awareness session will be delivered by John Gilham from Gambling Harm UK. John is an affected other as the result of his oldest son experiencing gambling disorder.
Gambling Harm UK run a range of awareness sessions. Some testimonials from these are shown below:
“I wanted MHFAs to learn about Gambling harm and how it can affect someone’s mental health and what we can do as MHFAs to support someone with an addiction. John and his son Chris really gave us an incredible, informative presentation. We are so grateful we’ve made a connection at LFB with their charity, and I would recommend them to any organisation that would like to educate themselves further in all things gambling harm”Adrianna Jones Mental Health First Aid & Trauma Team Lead London Fire Brigade
“Gambling Harm UK’s endeavours are dedicated to the prevention and reduction of gambling harm. John Gilham, presented to an audience of over 100 people from local community organisations, health and social care, the Leader of Castle Point Council and the Mayor of Castle Point at CAVS Community event on the 25th October 2023.
“John’s presentation was compelling as he transparently spoke about the impact that gambling has not only on the person with the addiction but their family members, and others associated with them. The statistical detail that was presented, evidenced the scale of the challenge that faces our nation. Accessibility to on-line platforms, sophisticated and appealing marketing features strongly with not only the mature target audience but unfortunately with the rapidly growing younger population”. Janis Gibson Chief Executive Officer Castle Point Association of Voluntary Services (CAVs)
Gambling Harm
Key Facts:
- There are a reported 400,000 adult experiencing gambling harm in the UK, with almost a further 2 million at risk with research suggesting that around six additional people – such as friends, family, and co-workers – are directly affected by each problem gambler.
- 16% of 18 to 24-year olds have placed bets on organised video games. This is known as e-sports.
- Problem gambling can lead to various physical health and mental health problems, relationship difficulties, large-scale financial loss and, in some cases, crime or suicide.
- Licensed gambling has grown by £4.1 billion. This is a 57% increase in the last decade. This is mainly due to online and smart phone gambling The National Audit Office February 2020)
- Cross over between Gambling and Gaming: Loot boxes, betting on video game outcomes, battle passes
We are thrilled to announce that we are working with Gambling Harm UK to develop a range of workplace training and support over the coming months – watch this space:
- MHFAider CPD Upskill -Talking Gambling Harm
- Guest Speaker sessions – we will be running a series of Guest Speaker sessions by individuals who have lived experience
- Workplace on-line training – why not join our free workplace training to help you to understand the impact of Gambling, from the individual or Affected Others (friends; family, partners, workplace). The aim of the session is to change workplace cultures and embed policies and procedures to support employees, providing a safe, non-judgmental space to to seek effective support.
Josh’s Story:
Gambling Harm UK – Stigma:
Gambling Harm – Useful Resources:
East of England Gambling Service: http://www.eofegamblingservice.nhs.uk/what-is-gambling
https://www.allbetsareoff.co.uk/podcast
