Renfrewshire Council

We are proud to back Safer Gambling Week, an annual initiative which is aimed at raising awareness of safer gambling in the UK and Ireland.

Problem gambling is growing at pace in the UK with an estimated 3.8% of the adult population at-risk and 7%, or over 3.5 million people, negatively impacted by other people's gambling.

You can learn more about the impact of problem gambling and the campaign for Safer Gambling Week online (Safer Gambling UK website).

As well as the obvious financial difficulties, problem gambling can also lead to mental health problems, and can negatively impact your employment, physical health, and personal relationships.

Becoming a supportive employer

As one of Renfrewshire's largest employers, we're taking steps to improve our support for colleagues who are affected by problem gambling.

Here's what we're doing:

Collaboration and partner support

We've teamed up with the RCA Trust, formerly known as the Renfrew Council on Alcohol, and part of the National Gambling Support Network, who provide free and confidential services for people affected by gambling.

Employee training

Our goal is to train staff members across the Council including line-managers and HR colleagues to understand the issues relating to problem gambling and be able to find or signpost colleagues to the help that's available. Some of our Mental Health First Aiders have already undergone the RCA's 'Bet You can Help Now' training programme and are ready to support you if you need help.

Raising awareness

We are sharing information and advice about gambling awareness so that all our colleagues know about the support available and feel safe and comfortable when asking for help. Look out for RCA posters positioned around staff areas across council buildings for information about how they can offer support.

Gambling workplace charter

We have signed up to Unite the union's gambling workplace charter which provides a framework and guidance for supporting staff. This includes practical support and information for assisting those who want or need to change their relationship with gambling. 

Recognising and preventing problem gambling

It is important to understand and be able to identify the various forms of problem gambling because it is an addiction that can manifest in different ways.

The following tips can help prevent gambling from becoming harmful:

• Only spend what you can afford to lose.
• Setting time and monetary limits before gambling is advisable for maintaining control and preventing the urge to chase losses.
• Remember that gambling is not the answer to any problem and it's important to avoid it if you are feeling upset, angry or disappointed.
• Don't let gambling interfere with your personal relationships. If you are ever tempted to hide or lie about your gambling, consider talking it through with the RCA Trust, or another gambling helpline.

Reach out for support

Speaking about a problem is the first step to solving it.

The RCA Trust offer free advice and support and you can make a referral for yourself or on behalf of someone else.

Get information about the help available from the RCA Trust (RCA Trust website).

The 'Taking care of our employees' wellbeing hub is also a great place to start if you need help or advice for anything related to your financial, mental and physical health including information on how to find our Mental Health First Aiders.

Find support at work and at home to help you take care of your wellbeing.

Published Thursday 21 November 2024