Free online gambling awareness event - “Bet you can help!”

Two free online gambling awareness events are to be held for professionals, support groups and criminal justice practitioners in Orkney looking to learn more about gambling related harm.

The Orkney Community Justice Partnership, in conjunction with the RCA Trust, which provides community-based alcohol and gambling related prevention and treatment services in Scotland, recently hosted two free one-hour online gambling awareness events to professionals across the north region.

Thirty-nine participants took part, including some from across the county, and thanks to their positive feedback, it’s proposed to hold further free online events.

Any professionals, support groups and criminal justice practitioners wishing to join should register their interest by emailing community.justice@orkney.gov.uk.  Dates, times and online links will be shared thereafter.

Orkney Community Justice Coordinator, Matt Webb said: “Public health bodies across the UK recognise gambling-related harm causes significant damage to individuals and their families, financially, mentally, and physically.

“In relation to criminal justice, there is a strong correlation between gambling and criminality, as well as individuals who have been involved in the criminal justice system being 15 times more likely to experience gambling-related harms.

“This free online training was aimed at upskilling local support to address this challenge and as a consequence of how well it was received the aim is to run further awareness raising sessions.”

Maria Welsh, from the RCA Trust, who delivered the training, added: “The RCA Trust provides free and confidential specialist support to anyone at risk of or experiencing gambling related harm across Scotland and operates as part of the National Gambling Treatment Service in partnership with GamCare.

“The ‘Bet You Can Help’ training programme is an educational first aid approach to tackling gambling related harms.

“This programme looks to engage with all aspects of the criminal justice system aiming to equip learners with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to tackle gambling related harm at a variety of touch points.”

The event will cover:

• Developing knowledge and understanding of gambling related harms.
• Increasing confidence in implementing effective screening and interventions with those at risk of gambling related harms.
• Raising awareness of and understanding the appropriate levels of support available to help and supporting those affected by gambling related harms.

It you require more information on either the Community Justice Service or the RCA Trust head here

• Community Justice (orkney.gov.uk)  
• RCA Trust website