​National Conference Addresses Problem Gambling in the Workplace

National problem gambling support service GamCare are joining forces with the Union of Construction Allied Trades & Technicians (UCATT) and Beacon Counselling Trust to deliver a national conference focused on addressing problem gambling in the workplace on 11^th November.

The event at Manchester Town Hall will explore the impacts of problematic gambling in the workplace, such as debt, engagement with the criminal justice system or the effects on quality of work and family life. The conference will also raise awareness of national support and treatment available for those affected by problem gambling and will stress the importance of education and training to support both employers and individuals.

Dirk Hansen, CEO at GamCare, says: “This conference will examine how we can strengthen support within the workplace. Working with employers, union representatives and occupational health teams, we aim to emphasise the impacts that problematic gambling can have on individuals, businesses and the wider community, and what we can do to minimise these effects.”

Steve Craig, National Officer for Strategy, Education and Organisation at UCATT, says: “Problem gamblers often prioritise gambling above their work, regularly resulting in dismissal. We need to engage with this issue with the same energy, commitment, support and awareness that we have given to drugs and alcohol addictions. This first conference will go a long way to moving this problem up the agenda and will emphasise the role of unions in supporting employers and employees around health and wellbeing.”

Neil Platt, Clinical Director at Beacon Counselling Trust, says: “We are keen to emphasise the role that learning and education has in supporting people and, if not addressed, the impact gambling can have on health and wellbeing. The day is set to be an informative and innovative event with practical outcomes and next steps.”

Addressing Problem Gambling in the Workplace will run 10am – 4pm on Friday 11^th November, at Manchester Town Hall. To register interest in attending please email irina@ucatt.org.uk

For more information visit www.gamcare.org.uk

ENDS

For more information or accompanying images please contact Catherine Sweet, Marketing and Communications Manager, at catherine.sweet@gamcare.org.uk or on 020 7801 7000.

Notes to editors:

GamCare – Working to minimise gambling-related harm

• GamCare is the leading national provider of information, advice, support and free counselling for the prevention and treatment of problem gambling. Our expert services are confidential and non-judgemental.
• GamCare operates the National Gambling HelpLine on Freephone 0808 8020 133 or via web chat at www.gamcare.org.uk. Advisers are available 8am – Midnight, seven days a week.
  Moderated chatrooms are also open daily, and peer-to-peer support is available through the GamCare Forum.
• For more information on GamCare counselling services, visit www.gamcare.org.uk/free-counselling
• GamCare offers training for clinicians, healthcare workers, advice and caring professionals as well as employers. For more information contact 020 7801 7000.

For information about UCATT please visit www.ucatt.org.uk

For information about Beacon Counselling Trust please visit www.beaconcounsellingtrust.co.uk