Launch of the Six to Ten Project

New first of its kind, free service set up for family members affected by gambling harms

A new, free and confidential service called The Six to Ten Project was launched on 6^th April 2022 by three leading charities to help families affected by the devastating impact of gambling-related harms.

Charities ARA, Beacon Counselling Trust and DrugFAM have come together to develop The Six to Ten Project, having recognised a need for a holistic, support package, for those who have been negatively affected by an individual with a gambling disorder.

Those affected include partners, parents, siblings, children, grandparents, friends and work colleagues. These people are often referred to as the ‘affected others’ of gambling-related harms.

The Six to Ten project will provide one to one care over a course of up to 12 weeks to those struggling with everyday life because of gambling harms.

Clients will be assigned a designated support worker and together will produce a personal support plan to assist with issues ranging from legal, financial and housing support through to addressing concerns related to personal health and wellbeing and family relationships.

Those who get in touch for support will also be offered free counselling as is currently provided to affected others through the National Gambling Treatment Service.

Research suggests six to ten people are at risk of gambling-related harms as the result of a person who gambles compulsively.

Beacon Counselling Trust Clinical Director Neil Platt said:

 

The introduction of the Six to Ten pilot project reflects our objectives to help drive down the numbers of families experiencing gambling-related harms and better engage with professional and individuals that operate in supporting roles such as finance, legal, housing, mental health and social care.

 

We are delighted to be joining with our charity partners in delivering this new service and we are very grateful to the Gambling Commission for funding this pilot project, as part of their three-year national strategy to reduce gambling harms.

 

The timing could not be more fitting for this project with the recent evidence estimating 1.4 million are experiencing gambling harms and it comes following a clear call to action at the first conference dedicated to affected others ‘Guilty By Association – the unspoken losses of gambling harms’ held last year.