OVERVIEW
Gambling is a common, legal and often sociable activity that many people take part in without coming to harm. For some, however, it stops being a harmless pastime and begins to cause real damage — to their finances, mental health, relationships, work and the people around them. This is known as gambling-related harm and is now widely recognised as a public-health issue rather than simply a matter of personal weakness or poor self-control.
This awareness-level course takes a supportive, non-judgemental approach. It is designed for employers, managers, care, health and frontline staff, and for anyone who may find themselves alongside a person affected by gambling — whether that is the person gambling or one of the family members and friends who are often deeply affected too. It explains what gambling-related harm is, how gambling disorder works as a recognised behavioural addiction, the wide range of harms it can cause, the signs that someone may be struggling, and — most importantly — how to have a kind conversation and point people towards help that works. It contains no gambling instruction of any kind.
