Ara Recovery for All are pleased to announce the inaugural charity signatory in Wales of the Gambling Related Harms Workplace Charter by North Wales Recovery Communities on 24 January 2024.
This marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to combat gambling related harms in our local communities. The Charter’s emphasis is on a comprehensive framework for action, backed by the commitment of organisations to guide their staff towards healthier choices and provide support for overcoming challenges associated with gambling behaviours, is crucial in addressing this growing concern.
Ara Recovery for All, as the National Gambling Harms Treatment Provider for Wales, views this initiative as a vital component in tackling the estimated 1.3 million harmful gamblers in the UK. The recent data from the Gambling Commission, indicating a substantial increase in the prevalence of problem gambling among the adult British population (2.5% compared to the previous figure of 0.3%), underscores the urgency of such measures.
Despite potential scepticism within the industry, Ara Recovery for All stands by the significance of these findings, supported by their own data and that of the National Gambling Support Network. The impact of harmful gambling on workplace absence, costing businesses and the national economy over £1.27 billion annually, highlights the necessity for business leaders to address and mitigate the effects of gambling related harms on their employees.
The signing of The Gambling Related Harms Workplace Charter by North Wales Recovery Communities, under the guidance of Ara Recovery for All, is a positive and progressive step in the collective effort to address the social and economic impact of harmful gambling in North Wales.
Kevin Morris, NWRC Housing Manager said: “NWRC supports individuals in recovery from drug & or alcohol misuse and more recently reducing the harm of gambling.
“NWRC understands equally the importance of supporting the health and wellbeing of its workforce. Our workforce is fundamental to the delivery of the essential support we provide. The Workplace Charter is the perfect way to demonstrate our commitment.
“We recognise that gambling can become a significant problem for some and can very often be a substitute for another addictive behaviour. Signing this charter, we commit to adopting a support-first approach to enable us to sensitively help any colleagues struggling with harmful gambling.”
About NWRC – NWRC (North Wales Recovery Communities) was established in 2014. NWRC aim is to create a network of recovery communities that support individuals to establish and maintain abstinence from long term substance misuse. NWRC deliver a programme of meetings and recovery activity from Penrhyn House, Bangor, including NA, CA, AA, GA (12 step recovery programme) Smart Recovery (CBT), Moving On In My Recovery (MOIMR – ACT), Bangor Recovery Project (multiple recovery pathways), yoga, mindfulness, fitness sessions and 5-a-side football. Penrhyn House has accommodation for up to 17 individuals and is open 7am-11pm 7 days a week.
If you would like to speak in confidence about your own gambling behaviours or that of someone close to you then please contact Ara on aragamblingservice@recovery4all.co.uk or visit the website where individuals can self-refer to support in confidence.
For more information about the Workplace Charter and what free awareness training is available for your workplace then please contact Beth Thomas, Ara North Wales Community Engagement Lead – beththomas@recovery4all.co.uk
