Wirral workshop opens for those affected by gambling addiction

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A new workshop, aimed at raising awareness and providing support for those affected by gambling harms, is set to launch in the Wirral. The 'Reducing Gambling Harms Strategy Workshop' took place today, Wednesday 8 January, between 1pm-4pm at the Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Led by a variety of local agencies, the initiative will be an open space for gamblers, or those affected by gambling, to share their experiences and access support from those that can help them understand the issues that they face.

The initiative looks to address the growing concerns over gambling addiction and its impacts on individuals and families in the region and surrounding areas. The workshop will be led by Citizens Advice Wirral, Wirral Public Health, Beacon Counselling Trust, and One Wirral CIC. 

The workshop will aim to highlight a growing commitment to provide accessible, comprehensive care and resources for those in need, emphasising that support and education are two key components of overall wellbeing.

"Our mission at Citizens Advice Wirral is to help individuals and families overcome the challenges they face, and gambling harms are no exception,” began Carol Johnson-Eyre, the Citizens Advice Wirral CEO.

She continued: "We understand the profound impact it can have on lives, and we strive to offer compassionate, effective support that empowers individuals to regain control and rebuild their futures working in partnership with our colleagues at Beacon Counselling Trust.

"By bringing together partners and stakeholders, we can develop innovative solutions and provide critical support to those impacted by gambling, ensuring a brighter future for our community."

The initiative may not necessarily discourage gambling entirely but will hopefully ensure that people can make informed decisions about their involvement with gambling.

You don’t need to have gambling issues to show up, but you are welcome to attend if you would like to keep your -or a loved one’s - habits in check.

By developing a greater understanding of the risks and how to approach gambling responsibly, the workshop will stress that gambling is a form of entertainment. It is important to safeguard people’s emotional and financial wellbeing.

Today’s workshop serves as an example of how a balanced approach to gambling-related harm could become part of a wider conversation about personal wellbeing as the two often go hand-in-hand. 

It is an opportunity for the Wirral to build a more resilient community – one where people can enjoy all aspects of life, including gambling, without digging themselves into a hole financially and doing so in a responsible manner.

If somebody can make the most of valuable information being provided, then it should be considered worth doing. The importance of proactive support should not be taken for granted, and gambling should be seen as an enjoyable and safe activity for those who choose to partake in it.

However, the risks can be there for all to see and should not be underestimated. If you or a loved one has been affected by gambling, you can call the Gambling Aftercare Helpline at Citizens Advice Wirral on 08082 787848 from Monday to Friday between 9:30am and 4pm or email [email protected]

To learn more about responsible gambling you can visit FIRST.com.