News
Government Minister Gerry Sutcliffe launches problem gambling service in Manchester
4 September 2009
Gerry Sutcliffe MP, the minister with responsibility for gambling, attended the afternoon event at Buile Hill Park Hall, Salford, on Friday 4 September at 2.00pm.
Minister for Sport Gerry Sutcliffe says:
"I am very pleased to be in Salford for the opening of GamCare's Manchester centre. This is a significant development in the service GamCare offers and I am sure the new centre will be a valued resource and support network for those who have a gambling addiction. "The charity has worked hard to expand its counselling service in the last few years and I hope they continue to build on this. I would like to congratulate everyone involved in making this happen."
Anthony Jennens, Chairman of GamCare, says:
“We are delighted that the Minister has agreed to launch our new counselling service. It is through funds donated voluntarily by the gambling industry that we are able to provide a service in Manchester. We are very grateful for the support, enthusiasm and dedication of the Reverend Canon David Wyatt of St Paul’s in Salford in helping us drive forward establishment of this important local facility. We are committed to working closely with the community and with other agencies and we will be developing our education and outreach efforts locally.”
Hilary Clayton, Counsellor & Manager at GamCare Manchester says:
“I am very pleased to have joined the GamCare team at this exciting time when we are fulfilling a need in the Manchester area. It’s great to know that the other counsellors and I can make a real difference to the lives of local people.”
Anyone concerned about the amount of time or money that they or someone close to them is spending gambling can talk direct and in confidence to an adviser from 8am to midnight on our HelpLine 0845 6000 133 and its online equivalent, NetLine at www.gamcare.org.uk. To inquire about arranging counselling in Manchester, please call the HelpLine or 020 7801 7000.
Press contact:
Eileen Kinghan, GamCare head office, 020 7801 7003, eileen@gamcare.org.uk
Kirsty McCaskill, Department for Culture, Media & Sport, 020 7211 6263 kirsty.mccaskill@culture.gsi.gov.uk
NOTES FOR EDITORS
1. GamCare, established in 1997, is a registered charity and the leading national authority on the provision of counselling, advice and practical help for anyone experiencing or affected by problem gambling. GamCare’s immediate, confidential one-to-one support services, available 8am to midnight, are the telephone HelpLine (365 days of the year) and online NetLine. Also online we have a Forum and ChatRoom. We deliver free counselling face to face at three locations in London, in Manchester, nationally through a network of partner agencies, and online. We train our Partners in treating problem gambling and fund them to deliver support to anyone who needs it. GamCare Manchester is operated direct by GamCare, in contrast to our Partners model, and its counsellors are GamCare employees. GamCare Manchester is at St James’s House, Pendleton Way, Salford.
2. Each of the counsellors in Manchester brings a wealth of experience gained either in the addictions fields or in generic counselling. GamCare has provided training specific to problem gambling. Each counsellor can help those in difficulty to change their behaviour and better cope with the issues which may underpin their addictive behaviour. Reasons for continuing to gamble despite negative consequences can be complex: sometimes it can offer a means of escape from seemingly intolerable thoughts and feelings. For family members affected by problem gambling, counselling can help them to focus on their own needs and empower them to make healthier choices for themselves.
3. Key speakers on 4 September are:
- Gerry Sutcliffe MP, Minister for Sport
- Lord McIntosh of Haringey, GamCare President
- Rev Canon David Wyatt, St Paul the Apostle, Paddington, Salford
- Anthony Jennens, GamCare Chairman