News
Problem gambling help service in Scotland expands
13 January 2010
From 18 January GamCare’s specialist one to one, face to face counselling service will be available additionally to problem gamblers and their families in the Dumfries area and in Tayside and east Fife. GamCare is training additional counsellors working with its local partner the RCA Trust to provide the service.
Andy Todd of RCA Trust says:
“I am delighted that the RCA Trust, in partnership with GamCare, is able to extend this unique service farther afield to meet the needs of those in Dumfries and Galloway, Tayside and east Fife. Our qualified and experienced counsellors have had the additional benefit of GamCare’s specific training to help them better understand the particular issues faced by problem gamblers and their families.”
A GamCare client comments on how the service has helped them:
“As the gambling took a back seat in the counselling, so it began to take a back seat in my life. I found myself talking about everything else in the sessions and, you know, my desire to gamble just went away.”
GamCare CEO Andy McLellan says:
“GamCare has already enjoyed a very successful partnership with the RCA Trust and I’m particularly pleased at this latest development. GamCare’s telephone and online helplines, and our online self-help forum are there for anyone concerned about their own or a family member’s gambling, but sometimes face to face counselling is what’s needed. I am delighted that the RCA Trust and GamCare are now able to provide this vital service in an area where there has been no provision locally. Anyone wanting help or advice should contact the GamCare HelpLine: 0845 6000 133 or go online at www.gamcare.org.uk.”
Press contact:Andy Todd, RCA Trust, 0141 887 0880, atodd@rcatrust.org.uk
Eileen Kinghan, GamCare, 020 7801 7003, eileen@gamcare.org.uk
NOTES FOR EDITORS
1. GamCare, established in 1997, is a registered charity and the leading national authority on the provision of counselling, advice and practical help for anyone experiencing or affected by problem gambling. GamCare delivers free counselling face to face and one to one at two locations in London, in Manchester, nationally through a network of partner agencies, and online. The charity trains its Partners in treating problem gambling and funds them to deliver support to anyone who needs it. For more information about GamCare and how it is funded, and for problem gambling statistics go to http://www.gamcare.org.uk/pages/faqs.html.
2. Anyone concerned about the amount of time or money that they or someone close to them is spending gambling can talk direct and in confidence to an adviser from 8am to midnight on the HelpLine 0845 6000 133 and its equivalent online, NetLine at www.gamcare.org.uk. GamCare’s approach is non-judgemental. Support is available one to one or through the forum and chat room. Advisers can give information about how to access the nearest counselling locally or contacts for other relevant services such as debt help.