GamCare launches chatroom for individuals of the Criminal Justice System
GamCare has expanded its dedicated chatroom series to help those in contact with the Criminal Justice System (CJS) maintain problem gambling support and seek advice from its dedicated specialist teams.
The problem gambling treatment and support charity currently runs a weekly timetable of hour-long online chatroom sessions, where users can openly discuss or live text issues related to problem gambling.
Current GamCare chatroom sessions cover general problem gambling areas, advice for family and friends, and a further weekly ‘peer support group’ run by Peer Aid.
On Tuesday 7 July (15:00 BST), GamCare will launch its new chatroom for inmates and ex-offenders of the Criminal Justice System (CJS), in which audiences will be able to obtain advice from Gamcare teams working with police, prisons and probation services, helping recovery from gambling addiction and the rehabilitation of former offenders.
Leading the directive, Eartha Heptinstall, CJS Project Officer at GamCare, said: “We know that there is generally a higher number of people affected by gambling harms within the CJS than in the general population.
“Studies have also indicated that the more complex, prolonged and persistent a gambling problem is, the more likely it is that a crime will be committed and, indeed, that many crimes may result. If a gambling problem remains unaddressed, rehabilitative work in other areas of an individual’s life is not likely to be successful.
“GamCare and our partners provide a range of support across the CJS, and we’re running this chatroom to give those in contact with the CJS a safe space to connect with one another and to seek specific advice if they have burning questions they may not be able to address anywhere else. GamCare chatrooms are confidential spaces and can provide a vital channel for peer support in recovery, and our team are also on hand to give additional advice if needed.”
Source: SBC News
