Citizens Advice Diss, Thetford and District is delivering a new project called ‘Action on Gambling Harm’ working with national charity ‘GamCare’.
What is Gambling
- Gambling means different things to people – gaming, betting, lottery tickets, bingo, scratchcards, playing game machines, or playing cards.
Why are we taking action on gambling harm?
Gambling is often described as ‘the hidden addiction’ that’s easy to hide or mask as something else. When someone comes to us for advice on other issues such as debt, housing, or family and relationship problems, it is possible that they may have an issue with gambling but wouldn’t necessarily be actively seeking help or support with this.
We know there are around 2 million people experiencing some level of gambling harm in GB, including 300,000 pathological gamblers. More worryingly there are 55,000 children with gambling problems and millions more at risk of gambling harm as a result of someone else’s gambling behaviour (family member, friend, or even a colleague).
How are we taking action?
As part of the destigmatising of gambling, we are training our advisers to feel comfortable to ask clients about gambling and if it is having a negative effect on them or someone they know.
We want to normalise talking about it and asking for help
- We want our clients to know that we’re a trusted source of information and advice on gambling harm.
- We want to ensure that anyone affected by gambling harm knows how to access support. We can make referral to specialist help.
GamCare have Freephone helpline 0808 8020 133, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
You can contact Citizens Advice Thetford at : https://cadat.org.uk/request-for-advice/ or call Adviceline 0800 144 8848
