The United Kingdom's top problem gambling initiative, GamCare has
received raves from the Sports Minister, Gerry Sutcliffe over a new initiative
that will take counseling online.
Sutcliffe commented on the online counseling idea and praised GamCare for the
very important role it plays in addressing the issue of problem gambling in the
UK.
"GamCare is leading the way in providing support for those with a gambling
problem," he said, "helping thousands of people since it was founded since 1997.
It is great to see the organization finding new ways to reach out and I want to
hear more about the new Online Counseling initiative, offering counseling over
the internet."
GamCare has decided to take some of its services online after learning that
problem gamblers felt more at ease discussing their issues over the internet,
removing the difficult and oftentimes embarrassing situation of sitting face to
face across from a stranger to discuss personal problem.
Internet communication, it has been found, allows problem gamblers to be more
open about their problems, encouraging them really get in touch with their
issues and therefore allowing counsellors to help them in a much more effective
way.
The Head of Clinical Services at GamCare, Adrian Scarfe said: "Over the past
eleven years, GamCare has developed its services to meet the needs of its
callers and clients. Recognizing the nature of the 'hidden addiction' and the
stigma still, unfortunately, associated with it, together with gambling becoming
more accessible to less traditional audiences, we have developed our specialist
Online Counselling Service. This professional and specialist service is
delivered free to clients."
