Football club joins South West NHS Trust to raise awareness of gambling harms
Bristol Rovers say they're 'proud' to be supporting the 'Crossed the Line' campaign
A local football club has joined forces with the NHS - to raise awareness of a South West gambling service.
Bristol Rovers say they're 'proud' to support the 'Crossed the Line' campaign, which aims to reduce stigma and encourage more people to get help.
It's being led by the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership, with their Gambling Service available to anyone over 18 right across the South West, after it launched last year, originally, just in Bristol.
It's all to reduce levels of stigma when it comes to gambling harms - and encourage more locals to get the assistance they need.
The service offers Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, group sessions, virtual sessions over the phone.
Chris Gillmore, South West Gambling Service Clinical Lead said: “The impacts of harmful gambling are widespread, affecting people’s relationships and health. Figures demonstrate this is a growing issue and we will work to protect people from the damaging impacts of harmful gambling.”
According to stats shared by Bristol Rovers, it's been revealed the city has the highest rate of gambling in the whole of the South West.
Recent estimates suggest that there are over 17,000 people living in Bristol alone who might benefit from some type of gambling treatment or support.
Across the UK, more than 130,000 people could be experiencing problems due to gambling according to Gambling Commission figures, with around 1.3 million people engaging in either moderate or low-risk gambling – although other research estimates that this figure could be higher.
If you or someone you care about is affected by gambling, visit The South West Gambling Service, or you can refer yourself by calling 0330 022 3175.