‘You can get help’: Northamptonshire charity’s plea ahead of Safer Gambling Week

The charity can offer support to those affected by gambling and their loved ones.

A Northamptonshire addiction charity is offering support to anyone who may need it ahead of Safer Gambling Week.

Aquarius, which has a team based in the county, has been working with residents since 2003 to help make gambling safer and to support those with a gambling issue.

As part of GamCare, funded by Gamble Aware, the charity works with people on a one to one basis, as well as offering support to affected family members.

With the pandemic affecting gambling habits and Safer Gambling Week beginning tomorrow (November 19-25), the charity now wants to raise awareness of how it can help those affected.

Team leader at Aquarius Northamptonshire, Richard Lilleyman, said: “People come to us when they want to make a change, but with the Covid restrictions, it’s like drugs and alcohol, people turn to gambling as a way to keep occupied and they are less likely to want to make a change.

“We understand with Covid that people are going to turn to things that could be unhealthy for them.

“We would like to offer support for making sure they keep it safe.

“It is a form of entertainment for a lot of people, so we are not saying everyone has a problem but for those where it is becoming a bigger issue for them and their families, they can get help.

“Anyone can get in touch with us if they feel like they have a problem with gambling.

“It affects a broad spectrum of people and their families, so we also offer support to the families too.

“We work one to one with people, which is all over the phone at the moment. Some people will have 12 sessions, some may only need three or four.”

As part of Safer Gambling Week, the charity is hosting a webinar on November 24 at 2pm.

To find out more about the webinar email [email protected].

For other support, call the charity on 0300 456 4292, email the above address or find them on Twitter @NHANTSAQUARIUS.

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