Bristol NHS Launches Specialized Service to Tackle Gambling Addiction
Date: 2023-09-16 Author: Dima Zakharov Categories: EVENTS
In a significant move towards addressing the escalating issue of gambling addiction, the Bristol branch of the National Health Service (NHS) has unveiled a dedicated service to provide essential support and therapies.
This groundbreaking initiative is the first of its kind and is spearheaded by the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (AWP). The service will offer a comprehensive range of interventions, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), known for its effectiveness in treating addiction.
Chris Gillmore, clinical lead for AWP's South West Gambling Service, expressed his enthusiasm for the new hub, stating that it would deliver "the latest evidence-based treatments and support." He emphasized the importance of recognizing gambling addiction as a widespread mental health issue with detrimental effects on individuals' lives.
Gillmore stated, "Patients can either self-refer directly to the service or seek referral through a local healthcare professional. We encourage anyone who believes they may need assistance to reach out."
Collaborating with organizations such as Mental Health Matters, H2CD, Togetherall, Dr. Julian, and Intuitive Thinking Skills, AWP plans to establish additional hubs in North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, and Plymouth by the year's end.
"The goal," explained Mathew Page, chief operating officer at AWP, "is to shield individuals from the harmful consequences of problem gambling, which can have far-reaching impacts on personal relationships and overall health."
According to statistics from the Gambling Commission, more than 130,000 individuals in the UK may currently be grappling with gambling-related problems.
This groundbreaking initiative is the first of its kind and is spearheaded by the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (AWP). The service will offer a comprehensive range of interventions, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), known for its effectiveness in treating addiction.
Chris Gillmore, clinical lead for AWP's South West Gambling Service, expressed his enthusiasm for the new hub, stating that it would deliver "the latest evidence-based treatments and support." He emphasized the importance of recognizing gambling addiction as a widespread mental health issue with detrimental effects on individuals' lives.
Gillmore stated, "Patients can either self-refer directly to the service or seek referral through a local healthcare professional. We encourage anyone who believes they may need assistance to reach out."
Collaborating with organizations such as Mental Health Matters, H2CD, Togetherall, Dr. Julian, and Intuitive Thinking Skills, AWP plans to establish additional hubs in North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, and Plymouth by the year's end.
"The goal," explained Mathew Page, chief operating officer at AWP, "is to shield individuals from the harmful consequences of problem gambling, which can have far-reaching impacts on personal relationships and overall health."
According to statistics from the Gambling Commission, more than 130,000 individuals in the UK may currently be grappling with gambling-related problems.
