Our Offer
The Armed Forces Gambling Harms Support Network (AFGSN) are proud to support the Armed Forces community with ‘Battling the Odds’.
The ‘Battling the Odds’ project aims to reduce the number of individuals within the armed forces community impacted by gambling harms and increase the number accessing varying levels of support by raising awareness, providing early intervention and education to those in the armed forces community.
The ‘Battling the Odds’ project will adopt a public health approach to tackle gambling related harms within the armed forces community whilst also being in line with the National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms.
To do this the project will raise awareness of these harms through the delivery of the ‘Bet You Can Help’ programme within the armed forces community. This is a two tiered training programme which applies an every contact count methodology to equip the armed forces community with the skills, attitudes, knowledge and confidence to better identify gambling harms within the armed forces community and provide early interventions to prevent the escalation of harm. Learners will also be given the tools and information to refer or signpost those in need to support to appropriate, specialist services. The first tier of the programme is the ‘Bet You Can Help’ Now! format, which is a one hour introductory session that provides an overview of gambling related harms.
The programmes second tier is the ‘Bet You Can Help’ Level 2 Award accredited by the Royal Society for Public Health and regulated by Ofqual.
As part of this programme, we also offer free treatment and 1 to 1 practical support for those affected by somebody else’s gambling and a wide range of aftercare programmes to support recovery.
Free, Confidential Support for the Armed Forces Community
The Armed Forces Gambling Support Network not only works closely with organisations that are committed to engaging with the issue of gambling related harms within armed forces communities, but we are also able to support with pathways into free, specialist support and treatment to individuals directly impacted by gambling, including affected family, friends and partners.
These specialist support services are completely free, confidential, and tailored to meet the needs of the armed forces community, with armed forces and gambling harms lived experience at the heart of all support programmes.
Who We Support
We support anyone who is:
• Currently serving or has previously served in the armed forces
• A member of the wider armed forces community (including family members)
• Those affected by someone else’s gambling
How We Can Help
We can link people into a range of support options, including:
• Advice and guidance on gambling-related harm
• Mental health treatment from qualified professionals
• Peer and recovery support from people with lived experience
• Referrals to the most appropriate specialist services
Whether you are seeking help for yourself or someone else, we will ensure you are connected to the right support.
You’re Not Alone
Reaching out can be the first step towards recovery. Our network is here to support you every step of the way.
If you would like more information or support, please contact us:
Email: armedforces@beaconcounsellingtrust.co.uk
Book a free course
If you would like to book a free course, please fill out the enquiry form and we will contact you.
- Training
Delivery of the ‘Bet You Can Help’ gambling related harms training programme, featuring a module created specifically to address gambling harms within the armed forces community.
- Referral Pathways
Development of a seamless referral pathway from multiples touchpoints within the armed forces community to the appropriate level of specialist support for anyone at risk of or experiencing gambling related harms.
- Awareness & Engagement
Raising awareness and preventing gambling related harms through direct engagement with the armed forces community to reduce stigma of the issue and screen those within the community to identify any harms and provide appropriate levels of support.
Bet You Can Help
Developing understanding and knowledge regarding gambling related harms within the armed forces community through the ‘Bet You Can Help’ FREE training programme.
The Workplace Charter
Opportunity to protect those working in the Armed Forces community. The Workplace Charter supports the community in developing a positive culture in gambling harms conversation reducing stigma, creating system change and promoting interventions at the earliest opportunity.
Feedback
- Strongly Recommend!
"I strongly recommend this for any case officers and staff working in Welfare working directly with customers."
- Open, Honest, and Passionate
"Both the trainers had lived experience and, as such, shared their first-hand knowledge about the subject and the impact gambling had had on their lives. They were both very open, honest, and passionate about their desire to help others with this addiction and what we could look out for and offer in the way of support to our beneficiaries.”
- Very Informative
"Just knowing what support is available for people with gambling issues so I know where to signpost them. I also found the insight into gambling and how harmful it can, very informative."
- I didn't even realise...
"The course is easy to follow and has taught me things about gambling I didn’t even realise.”
- I cannot believe it was free!
"I don’t mind admitting, I was sceptical of the need at first as gambling has never registered on my radar as a problem. The training has changed my perception. I will be sure to promote the training within Lyneham, and within future roles. I cannot believe it was free, and had it not been, I would still be ill informed and unaware of the dangers. Simply, thank you”