Beacon Counselling Trust have collaborated with Some Guys With a Camera to produce a short film to raise awareness of gambling-related harms and suicidal ideation. The relationship between gambling and suicidal ideation is widely documented across the field of gambling-related harms, with studies concluding a significant link between gambling and suicidality. Data has shown that harmful gamblers have significantly elevated rates of suicidal thoughts, attempts and non-suicidal self-harm (2007, APMS), compared to non-harmful gamblers. It is therefore imperative that we acknowledge the prevalence of suicidal thoughts amongst our client group, and continue to promote open and destigmatizing conversations about suicidal ideation.
The below video titled ‘Roll the Dice’ follows a young man’s journey to seeking support for gambling-related harms. The video poses two alternate paths – one in which Will reaches out for support, and one in which he tries to battle gambling addiction alone, with devastating consequences.
At BCT, we are passionate about making sure our service users know they are not alone.
If you are feeling unsafe and having thoughts of suicide or self-harm then please visit A and E, call 999 or contact the Samaritans (National Helpline) on 116 123.
If you have been impacted by gambling harms and would like support, call us today on 0151 226 0696.