Gambling has an increasingly strong representation with in our community, with gambling shops from major brands, and new slots place on Harehills Lane, and many other ways to gamble. For some, a little flutter here and there isn’t an issue, for others, it can become a problem, even a compulsion.
Gambling doesn’t just become a problem for the gambler, but the people around them, with one in fifteen people in the gamblers life being affected.
Gambling can have a disproportionate effect on areas of economic distress, low unemployment, and/or underinvestment.
Harehills is one such area where the economic and social conditions are such that a number of people will fall into problematic gambling. There is help available, however, LCGS operate a treatment centre out of the Compton Centre one day a week. It’s by referral/appointment (details for the referral form are below).
I’ve had a call with Leon and George, who are lovely people really trying to make a difference in difficult circumstances, having to work around the virus isn’t ideal, but they are still creating spaces in person or online to support people.
I like their ambition and compassion, and how much they want to help the people of Harehills affected by problem gambling.
I’m possibly not the best person to talk about all this, so they have sent me an article that covers the service in detail, and includes how to get in contact and make a referral, so I’m going to let them speak for themselves in a moment.
Before I do – let me just say, one of the wondrous things about Harehills, no matter your problems there is someone out there that can and will help, for gambling issues please consider LCGS.
Leeds Community Gambling Service
Who are we?
Leeds community Gambling Service (Gamcare) is working in partnership with the NHS Northern Gambling Service and NECA to provide integrated support services to anyone experiencing gambling harms across Leeds and the surrounding area.
Why are we here?
In 2014 Leeds City Council gave granted a large casino license to the Victoria Gate Casino. Part of that License, they had to fund a study at ‘The Leeds Becket University into the prevalence of problematic gambling within Leeds City. The study found that Leeds is above the national average for problematic Gambling with between 10,000 and 30,000 people at risk within the city.
What do we do?
We provide free treatment to any who has suffered from gambling harms (whether it is the gambler themselves or an affected other). We reach out to the business sector, social care sector, and third sector services to offer free training around gambling harms, problem gambling, and treatment options.
Where are we?
We are based out of Leeds City Centre, but we are also basing ourselves in community hubs in high-risk places across Leeds, so everyone can access support if they need it.
Are you worried about a friend, loved one, or colleague?
If you are worried about some close to you, it’s very important, to be honest with them about what you see happening in front of you. Speak to them in a non-judgemental way and try to be empathetic towards their situation. Offer personal support and offer to support them through a referral to Leeds Community Gambling Service. If you feel personally affected by the gambling of someone close to you, we can offer
support to you as well, so please contact us for more advice.
Gambling Harms can affect anyone at any time, sometimes without realizing it. It’s so important that we reach people before early before they reach crisis point. COVID-19 and the lockdown have affected everybody, but with people being on furlough, not working, and not going into the community there has been a rise in online gambling. We expect the number of referrals to continue to rise.
We accept referrals from anyone, whether it is the individual self-referring or someone close to the individual or affected other.
Information and Numbers
Email – George.richardson@gamcare.org.uk
Our phone – 0113 388 6466.
Referral form – here
You can find all the released Advent Posts here: Harehills Good News Advent Calendar 2021
Harehills ❤️ Love 
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