Gambling addiction: UCLan is the first university to sign gambling charter to help support staff and reduce stigma

What is the charter?

Endorsed by the Gambling Commission, the charter offers practical ways in which employers and trade unions can commit to promoting the health and wellbeing of staff and students who may be at risk due to gambling related harms.

Created collaboratively by trade unions, Beacon Counselling Trust and Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust, it actively encourages employers, employees, students and their families to discuss gambling related harms with the aim of reducing the stigma around gambling addiction.

In addition, the charter seeks to clearly define support routes back into work if employees have needed professional medical assistance plus create policies and guidelines to ensure gambling is treated as seriously as mental health and substance misuse.

The charter is based on seven principles, including a commitment to training line managers and trade union representatives. They will receive specialist training to help them understand and signpost individuals to sources of support, with key members of UCLan’s People Team and Student Services’ Team trained in the ‘Bet You Can Help Programme’.

Large and small organisations, including a number of local authorities throughout the United Kingdom, have already signed the charter.

What does UCLan say about it?

Ken Lee, UCLan’s Chief People Officer, said: “We’re delighted to be the first university in the country to sign the reduce gambling related harm in the workplace charter. We are committed to always looking at any new ways we can support our colleagues’ health and wellbeing as they are integral to our development and performance.

“Whilst the main focus is for us to support our employees to make healthier choices and overcome problems, we also want to highlight and support our large student community. That is why we’re investing time and money into training colleagues in student facing roles as gambling can affect any one at any time in their life.”

How prevalent are gambling problems?

Jim Mowatt, Director of Education for Unite the Union, said: “Gambling related harms goes wider than the impact on the individual and covers the adverse impacts from gambling on the health and wellbeing of individuals, families, communities and society.”

It is estimated there are around 400,000 problem gamblers in the UK and with many times that number experiencing gambling-related harms. The economic burden of problem gambling is substantial, with estimates placing the annual cost in the UK to be over £1.2 billion. Recent statistics claim problem gamblers are 2.69 times more likely to have visited their GP in the last 12 months with a mental health issue and 8.54 times more likely to be accessing mental health services.

How can you get help with a gambling addiction?

There are many trusted resources online which offer support and advise for those with gambling problems.

For instance the NHS wesbite provides information about gambling, advice on do’s and dont’s, and pinpoints specific services that can provide support for addicts or their loved ones.