Gambling Support Service Training

These are unusual, worrying times and for some people coping with the stress and anxiety of lockdown, self-isolation and social distancing, may increase urges to gamble. Experts have warned that people with a gambling disorder, many of whom will be cooped up at home during the coronavirus crisis, are prone to betting on events whose outcome they cannot possibly estimate. MPs have expressed concern that gamblers are being directed to riskier wagers in the absence of mainstream sport during Covid-19 crisis.

In addition, people who may have been reduced from full pay to Statutory Sick Pay and those who may be laid off from their jobs during the pandemic, who have never gambled before, could resort to gambling online to subsidise their income.

Dudley Citizens Advice is running gambling support training sessions. The aim of the service is to raise awareness and deliver training sessions to frontline staff and volunteers.

The training includes:
• how gambling is regulated
• the impact of gambling in our communities
• how to identify signs of gambling related harms
• specialist support services available to help.

Sessions can be delivered via Skype, Google Hangouts or Zoom. Telephone advice can also be provided.

If you wish to know more, please contact Kam Bahra, West Midlands Project Lead, and Gambling Support Service (GSS). Tel: 07813 363260 or email kam.bahra@dudleycabx.org