Health and wellbeing
New guide to support those affected by gambling harms
Published on
A new guide has been developed to support those affected by gambling harms.
Developed by Walsall Council’s Public Health team, the gambling harms directory for residents has been designed to give guidance and support for those affected directly and indirectly by gambling harms. A separate guide has also been developed for professionals.
Gambling is widely understood as the act of risking money or items of value in an activity of uncertain outcome in the hopes of winning a prize. It can either take place remotely (online) or non-remotely, such as through a gambling premises and comes in many forms such as lotteries, casino games and betting. It also features in console games such as loot boxes.
Gambling can affect mental and physical health and wellbeing. It can also have an impact on relationships, finances, housing, employment and education (known as gambling harms).
Over 13,000 adults in Walsall are estimated to experience some form of harm from gambling. When loved ones, children and friends are taken into account, the number of people affected by gambling harms in Walsall could be up to six times higher.
Residents and professionals are encouraged to explore the guide and follow through the below three steps for positive short and long-term change:
- Using tools which mean you can no longer gamble, such as TalkBanStop.
- Access online resources to help understand how gambling can harm you, such as Gambling with Lives.
- Refer yourself to a specialist gambling treatment service, such as the West Midlands NHS Gambling Support Clinic or Aquarius.
“ Gambling harms can affect anyone and often the harms are hidden. It can affect people directly but also those around them, such as family members, children and friends. If your gambling or someone else’s is causing you to worry about money, work and relationships, you are not alone. The good news is that with help and support, recovery is possible. It is important to follow through the three steps outlined and access the support and tools you need, which are free and anonymous. “
To access the support guides, visit the links below:
To make a referral to a specialist gambling treatment service, visit the West Midlands NHS Gambling Support Clinic website, call Aquarius on 0300 456 4293 or email gambling@aquarius.org.uk
If you need urgent help for your mental health, call NHS 111 and select option 2 to speak to a trained professional. You can also call Samaritans on 116 123.
- If you need support and advice on money, the Walsall Wellbeing Directory has information and links to a range of resources. Money matters | Walsall Council. You can also get help with the cost of living: Help with the cost of living | Walsall Council. If your debts are getting out of control, email our debt referral team: DebtReferral@walsall.gov.uk.
- NHS has self-help information on help for problems with gambling.
- Citizens Advice can advise on a range of issues, including finances and gambling.
