By 
GamCare, a leading charity providing free advice and information to vulnerable gamblers has teamed up with the Samaritans to develop bespoke suicide awareness materials and prevention training for gambling operators and their staff.
Suicidal Thoughts
GamCare has said 11% of gamblers contacting the charity have suicidal thoughts either now or in the past due to gambling problems.GamCare called upon the Samaritans to share their expertise in gambling-related harm and suicide prevention and changes needed within the gambling industry to reduce gambling-related deaths. They hope to provide practical guidelines and training for staff working for gambling operators to help identify and support customers who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Identifying Vulnerable Gamblers
e-learning will be provided free and also training modules for all gambling industry staff, customer service teams, and compliance teams to further promote gambling-related suicide and prevention. Staff will be proved with information and training on how to identify vulnerable customers and then offer support. The staff of gambling operators will also be given training on how to look after their own wellbeing while dealing with extremely vulnerable customers.Anna Hemmings, GamCare CEO said, “Pairing our experience and expertise of training the gambling industry and treating gambling harms with Samaritans’ expertise in suicide prevention will make a real difference to those most at risk.“With the isolation of lockdown exacerbating gambling harms for some people, it is more important than ever that our support services unite to help gambling businesses identify and support their customers at risk of harm. With proper training providing new skills and expertise, the industry and its staff can play a vital role in identifying vulnerable customers at risk of harm,”The training and information developed by the partnership will further enhance operators’ staff in identifying and supporting vulnerable players who may be having suicidal thoughts. The collaborative efforts of both GamCare and the Samaritans provide a bespoke training package on suicide prevention and much-needed resources for gambling business staff.GamCare is encouraging all gambling operators to enroll in training as soon as possible to help fight the battle of gambling-related harm and suicides.If you or someone you know are suffering from gambling-related problems please get in touch with GamCare the Samaritans or other gambling help organisations.