Sefton Council has signed the Beacon Counselling Trust’s Workplace Charter to Reduce Gambling Related Harms and is encouraging other employers to do the same.

In a ceremony at Bootle Town Hall, Cllr Mhairi Doyle, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing and Cllr Christine Howard, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, joined Sian McLear from Beacon Counselling Trust to sign the Charter.

New policy and training

At the start of June Sefton Council introduced a new policy to support any employees experiencing gambling related harms. And a new, ‘Bet You Can Help’, online new training course is now being offered to its staff.

Harm related to gambling is a nationally recognised issue that can affect anyone. The Council’s new policy aims to increase awareness of harms and tell staff how to find support and help. The training course provides guidance to managers about helping someone at risk of, or affected by, gambling related harms. 

Feelings of guilt, shame, and anxiety

Cllr Mhairi Doyle, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “Gambling can consume individuals with feelings of guilt, shame, and anxiety. Too often ruining finances and plunging individuals and their families into debt. Unlike other addictions, many gambling harms go unnoticed. They are often hidden beneath the surface and linked to other addictions.

“That’s why this new Charter is so important. It not only breaks down stigma but also encourages open conversations and gives people the confidence to seek support without fear or judgement.

“We’re proud to have worked closely with the Beacon Counselling Trust to develop this policy and training, and we’ve signed up to the Charter as part of our ongoing commitment to staff health and wellbeing. As an employer, the Council has a duty of care to protect its workforce, but the same applies to businesses and organisations across Sefton.

“Supporting employees through challenges like gambling harm helps create healthier, happier, and more productive workplaces. Ultimately, this benefits not just individual staff members, but families, businesses, and the wider Sefton community.”

As well as developing the new policy and training, and signing the Charter for its own staff, the Council believes companies and organisations across Sefton could benefit from introducing similar measures.

Sefton businesses should absolutely sign up to this Charter

Cllr Christine Howard, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, said: “At Sefton Council, we are crystal clear that our staff are our greatest asset. They are the ones delivering vital day-to-day services to our residents. That’s why it’s so important we do everything we can to support them, not just in work, but in facing any wider personal challenges they may be experiencing.

“By signing the Gambling Harm Prevention Charter today, gambling harm will be on an equal parity to more visible addictions like alcohol or drugs. This commitment helps break down the stigma that too often surrounds gambling issues.

“We now have the skills, knowledge and understanding in place to offer meaningful support to our workforce.

“Sefton businesses should absolutely sign up to this Charter. The Beacon Counselling Trust can support them with training and guidance to build capacity and create a culture of awareness and support.

“The more organisations that sign up, the more we can make Sefton a safer and more supportive place to live and work, and that’s something we all want for our community.”

Beacon Counselling Trust is a North West-based charity, that provides support for those affected by gambling harms. Sefton Council is only the second local authority in Cheshire and Merseyside to sign up for the Workplace Charter to Reduce Gambling Related Harms, which provides a framework for action and good practice.

Extra bit of support if needed

Sian McLear, from the Beacon Counselling Trust said: “The benefit of signing up to the Workplace Charter is just giving employees that extra bit of support if needed.

“Eighty or ninety per-cent of businesses have alcohol and drugs policies in place but  they don't have anything for gambling harms so the benefit is massive.

“Employees feel like they can speak out if they are struggling with gambling and know that there is a policy in place and they will be able to get help.”

Anyone who is worried about potential gambling harms on themselves or someone they know, can Contact Beacon Counselling Trust on 0151 226 0696, at support@beaconcounsellingtrust.co.uk, or at https://beaconcounsellingtrust.co.uk/.

A 24 hour national gambling helpline number is also available at 0808 8020 133.

Anyone over age 18 and registered with a GP can also access the NHS North West Gambling Service. Self-referral is available via your GP, or by contacting 0300 300 1490 or referral.ngs@nhs.net.