A new gambling clinic has opened in Sheffield, making it the latest of 15 services to open across the country.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The clinic aims to help people with gambling addictions, providing them with clinical psychologists, therapists and peer support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Matthew Gaskell, a Consultant Psychologist and Clinical Lead for the NHS Northern Gambling Service said: \u201cGambling harm can be serious, and we have a specific problem amongst the student population, where gambling can lead to students dropping out of their courses. It is a crucial part of an overall public health strategy to address gambling related harm.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Services will be offered to adults over 18 who are concerned about their gambling habits, but also their loved ones who might be affected by it and is funded by the \u00a32.3 billion per year investment into mental health services which was announced in the long term plan in 2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mr Gaskell said the clinic offers \u201cgold standard evidence-based talking therapy in an individual and group format\u201d and also peer support from people with lived experience who can act as \u201crole models and inspiration for change\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He also said that \u201cgambling harm can be serious\u201d, highlighting the specific problem amongst the student population, where gambling can lead to students dropping out of their courses.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The opening event featured an emotional speech by Judith Bruney, the mother of Chris Bruney, who was 25 when he died in April 2017.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He had gambled more than \u00a3100,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n