On Thursday next, September 7th, at 11am Connect Family Resource Centre will officially launch the National Problem Gambling Therapeutic Support Service for over 18’s in the Lourdes Community and Recreation Centre (Old Boys’ Club) in Yellowbatter, Drogheda.
Problem gambling is a hidden addiction that is affecting our community and society as a whole. It is not just the gamblers; it also affects the families, partners, partners’ families, jobs, finances, and leads to other addictions and mental health issues like depression in one way or another.
Gambling is defined as ‘the activity or practice of playing a game of chance or taking a chance for money or other stake where there is a risk of losing that stake’.
It is a problem for anyone when it disrupts or damages the following (a) work, school, or other activities; (b) relationships with family or friends; (c) finances; (d) mental or physical health (e) reputation.
Due to the frequency of gambling and its negative impact to individuals and their significant others; we aim to increase public awareness of safer gambling practices and to assist individuals who experience problems, as well as their friends and family members, in receiving timely, efficient support in a non-judgemental space.
The counselling service at Connect Family Resource Centre provides low cost one-to-one counselling. This confidential service is for anyone over 18 years struggling with problem gambling, their family, or friends for access to professional and private counselling service.
This service is part of a 3-year pilot project from the €1.5 million funds provided by the Gambling Awareness Trust (GAT) after the formation of GamblingCare.ie in March 2019.
Is there anyone who thinks they might have a problem gambling or who is being impacted by a loved one’s gambling, please reach out for help today and contact CONNECT FRC directly on 041 9846608 or 089 4198030 or email gamblingsupport@connectfrc.com
