GambleAware launches new nationwide treatment awareness campaign
Online, radio and print ads will aim to encourage self-referrals to national treatment service
Gambling-related harm charity GambleAware has unveiled a nationwide campaign aimed at increasing the awareness of the National Gambling Treatment Service (NGTS).
The campaign will feature online, radio and print advertisements running in pubs, service stations, GP surgeries and various UK health publications throughout February and March 2020.
It is aimed at promoting self-referrals to the NGTS from individuals who may be at risk of gambling-related harm.
The campaign is also seeking to raise awareness of gambling treatment among primary care staff to allow GP’s and nurses to be able to point at-risk individuals in the right direction.
The decision to launch this initiative comes after GambleAware researchers found that treatment penetration for gambling disorder is estimated to be just 3%.
Additional research, which has yet to be published by the charity, indicates that while there is a strong demand for treatment and support, individuals are not aware of support which is available.
The NGTS works with, and alongside, the NHS and is free at the point of delivery. It includes online and face-to-face support, together with the 24/7 National Gambling Helpline.
GambleAware CEO Marc Etches said the new initiative would encourage members of the public to seek help earlier in order to prevent and treat any gambling-related harm which might occur.
“This initiative complements the strategic work to develop a system that ensures individuals across Great Britain have a clear care pathway for treatment.
“We are committed to working with the NHS, Public Health, local authorities and other statutory and voluntary sector agencies to meet the needs of local communities,” Etches added.
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