Publish date: 25 March 2024
Bristol Rovers supports ‘crossed the line’ NHS gambling campaign.
The ‘Crossed the Line’ campaign is led by Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust to raise awareness of its Gambling Service, launched across the South West last year.
The campaign aims to reduce stigma and encourage more local people to get the help they need. The South West Gambling Service was originally launched in Bristol last year. It has now expanded to support anyone aged 18 and over living in the South West. The service offers Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, group sessions, virtual sessions over the telephone.
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.”
Bristol has the highest rate of gambling in the South West, it is estimated that there are over 17,000 people living in Bristol alone who might benefit from some type of gambling treatment or support.
It's thought that over 130,000 people across the UK 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 :: Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (awp.nhs.uk) to find out more, or you can refer yourself by calling 0330 022 3175.
