Beacon Counselling Trust: industry holds a responsibility to keep all customers safe

Beacon Counselling Trust has urged the industry to adopt a much more collaborative and unified approach to create a stronger overall positioning to tackle and prevent gambling related harms. 

In addition, the charity has also cautioned that it’s imperative for those working within all levels of the gambling ecosystem to be in receipt of appropriate training to help identify and advise on a range of closely associated issues.

In the latest instalment of a series of articles profiling PlayItForward’s charitable impacts, Beacon Counselling Trust is placed under the spotlight. PlayItForward has worked with Beacon Counselling Trust since 2021.

The education, treatment and support charity aids individuals via a Merseyside-based suicide bereavement programme and north-west of England located gambling harms programme through a roster of fully qualified therapists.

In conversation with SBC News, Lauren Campbell, Treatment Manager of Beacon Counselling Trust, places a focus on initiatives undertaken in collaboration with PlayItForward, details how these projects have informed and enhanced its services, and elaborates on the importance of education.

SBC News: What is Beacon Counselling Trust and what services does it provide?

Lauren Campbell, Treatment Manager: Beacon Counselling Trust is a mild to moderate Mental Health service provider specialising in supporting people affected by gambling related harms across the North West of England. 

BCT deliver an extensive treatment, support, early intervention and education offer that includes free treatment and support for anyone aged 16 and above, aftercare support for those in recovery, and a wide range of educational programmes for both a universal audience, but also specific content tailored to the needs of vulnerable groups such as the Armed Forces community, Criminal Justice system and the South Asian community. 

Another key service is the Workplace Charter to Reduce Gambling Related Harms, which works with a wide range of organisations to develop a gambling harms framework to protect staff and increase wellbeing in the workplace. 

BCT is a service that sits within the National Gambling Support Network, which is a network of organisations from NHS and third sector, who provide a range of free and confidential gambling harms advice, support, treatment and recovery interventions. 

SBCN: How long has BCT been in operation?

LC: BCT were established in 2010, and have been supporting people impacted by gambling-related harms since 2013. BCT have worked on a number of mental health education and support programmes over the years, in fields such as bereavement, trauma, eating disorders, young people’s mental health, and addiction. 

SBCN: Are BCT reliant on donations, and does the charity have any thoughts on the 2023 UK white paper report?

LC: BCT welcomes the white paper and in particular the introduction of the levy which will provide continuation of funding. BCT is committed to continue working with DCMS and the NHS to support the development of a new system. 

BCT also welcomes donations to support us in our efforts to tackle gambling-related harm across the North West, ensuring we can offer a range of tailored community-based interventions and support to those who need it. 

SBCN: How would you describe BCT’s approach to education and why is it so important?

LC: At BCT we feel a preventative approach to tackling any public health issue is the best way forward. Whilst we want to support those currently experiencing issues with gambling harms we know from a population point of view prevention is key. 

By delivering our educational programmes across the region we hope to not only raise awareness but provide young people, parents, carers and professionals with the skills to be able to identify gambling harms and support those impacted into the appropriate level of support.

SBCN: What project is BCT most proud of and why?

LC: We are most proud of our flagship educational offer the ‘Bet You Can Help’ programme, a first aid approach to tackling gambling related harms. In the last 3 years we have delivered this work to over 9000 individuals and received excellent feedback on the quality of the programme, particularly how the practical elements can be used across a variety of frontline services to help identify anyone experiencing harms. 

SBCN: How did BCT start working with PlayItForward?

LC: BCT were originally approached by PlayItForward for a donation as we are an approved organisation on the RET donations list via the Gambling Commission. Following this, BCT’s relationship with PlayItForward developed and their donations have supported us to develop educational and promotional materials. 

We are really pleased to be provided with a donation through the PlayItForward programme to support us in our continued efforts in reducing gambling-related harms through our educational initiatives, particularly within communities in which gambling harms is overrepresented, such as armed forces communities, those with neurodiversity, and South Asian communities. 

SBCN: What exciting projects are in the pipeline? 

LC: BCT are currently developing an educational video to raise awareness of gambling related harms in the Armed Forces. In this short documentary we will hear from those who have served in the Armed Forces whilst experiencing gambling related harms to show the impact this can have, but also why the Armed Forces community are such a key group for us to engage with.

SBCN: How can the industry better support BCT and educational matters?

LC: It is important for all individuals working within the gambling industry to receive appropriate training around these issues, particularly those who act as the first point of contact with customers, to ensure they can identify potential gambling harms and offer the appropriate information around how to reduce these harms or access support. 

BCT’s Bet You Can Help training programme can upskill professionals to better identify these signs in customers and refer into specialist support. 

SBCN: Is there one message BCT would like to convey to the industry?

LC: To ensure there is a greater understanding of gambling-related harms and the signs to be aware of with its customers. The industry holds a responsibility to keep all of its customers safe from gambling harms and intervene if signs of harm occur. 

By working collaboratively with BCT, PlayItForward were able to drill down to what projects the charity needed support with.  The educational videos are short, to the point and they speak to the specific groups they are intended to help. Stimulating open conversations around what signs to look out for and where to go for support. Education empowers everyone with the knowledge to care for themselves and or their loved ones.  BCT do this very well.

By working with gambling support services, such as BCT, the gambling industry will be in a stronger position to prevent and help eliminate gambling-related harm.