National Gambling Treatment Service launches campaign to increase awareness of gambling treatment
News on 3 Feb 2020
News on 3 Feb 2020
GambleAware has launched a new campaign to raise awareness of the treatment available through the National Gambling Treatment Service. The campaign will run on digital media, radio, pubs, motorway service stations, in GP surgeries and health publications throughout February and March.
The National Gambling Treatment Service works with, and alongside, the National Health Service. It is free at the point of delivery, provides telephone, on-line and face-to-face treatment for individuals and groups, across Great Britain. Self-referrals through the 24/7 National Gambling Helpline are the main route for accessing the treatment, which is provided by a network of NHS trusts and voluntary sector organisations.
The campaign draws upon the insight that people with gambling problems feel disconnected from their family and friends and is based on promoting confidence that treatment is easy to access and will help them overcome their struggles with gambling.
The campaign is also seeking to raise awareness of gambling treatment among primary care staff. This is so that GPs and practice nurses can signpost people to the National Gambling Helpline if they identify a patient has a gambling problem.
The National Gambling Treatment Service is part of an overarching strategy to help more people at risk of, or suffering from, gambling disorder. Additional investment is also directed at increasing the capacity of treatment services, expanding the number of locations where treatment is delivered, and offering new options for accessing treatment.
This initiative is part of the collaborative approach which was announced in NHS England’s Mental Health Implementation Plan.
Marc Etches, CEO of GambleAware, has said:
“It is vital that people know where to get help and support for gambling harms, whether they are gamblers or family members of gamblers. By raising awareness of the National Gambling Treatment Service, we are encouraging members of the public to get earlier help in order to prevent and treat gambling harms.
This initiative complements the strategic work to develop a system that ensures individuals across Great Britain have a clear care pathway for treatment. We are committed to working with the NHS, Public Health, local authorities and other statutory and voluntary sector agencies to meet the needs of local communities.”
Professor Clare Gerada, London GP and former Chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, has said:
“Problem gambling affects individuals’ health and wellbeing and I know that GPs want to have a role in helping gamblers find the right treatment for their needs to help improve the care of gamblers. This campaign to promote the National Gambling Treatment Service and to encourage people to call the National Gambling Helpline is a vital step to ensuring more people can access the help and support they need.”
