News
Offenders in Nottingham offered GamCare counselling
27 January 2010
The aim of the provision is to reduce re-offending by exploring the motivation for problem gambling and ways of changing behaviour and by addressing the underlying issues. GamCare’s partner in Nottinghamshire, APAS, delivers the counselling service.
Nick Tegerdine of APAS says:
“I am delighted that APAS, in partnership with GamCare, is able to extend this unique service to meet the needs of offenders in HMPs Nottingham and Whatton.
“People with gambling problems can incur huge debts and, under pressure, risks are taken with assets belonging to employers, family or friends. We see increasing numbers of such people in prisons and until now, our resources to support them have been extremely limited.
The expansion of services within these two prisons is welcomed since a gambling problem left unaddressed whilst in custody is likely to become active again on release, unless a plan is in place to respond to the needs”.
GamCare CEO Andy McLellan says:
“I’m particularly pleased at this latest development to our ongoing successful partnership with APAS. GamCare’s telephone and online helplines can be largely inaccessible to offenders who may be amongst those who would benefit most, so extending our provision of specialist face to face counselling within these prisons is a significant step forward.”
GamCare Counselling has not previously been available to offenders as part of a structured intervention, although the charity has on occasion worked with individuals on a responsive basis where arrangements were able to be made with the prison concerned.
Press contact:
Nick Tegerdine, APAS, 07904 307380, nick@apas.org.uk
Eileen Kinghan, GamCare, 020 7801 7003, 07535 459 753, eileen@gamcare.org.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 delivers free counselling face to face and one to one at two locations in London, in Manchester, nationally through a network of partner agencies, and online. The charity trains its Partners in treating problem gambling and funds them to deliver support to anyone who needs it. For more information about GamCare and how it is funded, and for problem gambling statistics go to http://www.gamcare.org.uk/pages/faqs.html.
2. 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 the HelpLine 0845 6000 133 and its equivalent online, NetLine at www.gamcare.org.uk. GamCare’s approach is non-judgemental. Support is available one to one or through the forum and chat room. Advisers can give information about how to access the nearest counselling locally or contacts for other relevant services such as debt help.
3. apas is a non-statutory organisation providing services throughout the East and North Midlands. It is an independent charity funded by grants, service contracts and public donations. www.apas.org.uk