Mickleover Medical Centre is proud to introduce Dr Rhynal Rodrigues who is our accredited Gamble Awareness Lead.
Dr Rodrigues “It’s a difficult world we live in today and there are lots of ways we can cope with this; some which can be healthy and others which can cause us harm. Gambling is one of those outlets that can cause us significant harm and it can be difficult to navigate yourself out of. To help these patients, I have educated myself and become the Gambling awareness lead but I’ve also accredited our practice as a safe space for these patients so they do not feel judged, can be listened to and feel safe in order to get the help they need. If you are one of these patients who need help, please do not hesitate to contact us. ”
By gaining RCGP Gambling Harms Accreditation, Dr Rodrigues demonstrated an enhanced
commitment to helping people with gambling difficulties by:
- sharing key learning points from the eLearning with the wider practice team
- reducing stigma by broaching gambling in consultations, where relevant
- signposting patients to support, where needed
- displaying resources in the waiting room and public areas
The GPs at this practice are trained to listen without judgement and can provide you with support and details on how to access treatment.
Speak to any of our staff for more information or call the National Gambling Helpline for free, confidential and personalised support on 0808 8020 133
Patients suffering gambling related harms need recognition they are experiencing a mental health disorder to ensure individuals access the help they need in a timely manner.
Resources
The Primary Care Gambling Service
This service provides a direct route to holistic care from a multidisciplinary team of GPs, mental health nurses, peer support workers, therapists and a consultant psychiatrist.
The National Gambling Support Network provides free, confidential and personalised support for anyone who’s experiencing problems from gambling. If you’re worried about your own or someone else’s gambling, this service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Call 0300 0300 111
www.primarycaregamblingservice.co.uk
National Gambling Helpline – Out of hours
This resource is available throughout Great Britain on the phone (0808 8020 133) or by online chat in England, Scotland and Wales.
https://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-support/talk-to-us-now
Other Charities and support groups:
GamLearn – the Gambling Lived Experience and Recovery Network service
Gamblers Anonymous – a local support group service that uses the 12-step approach to recovery
Citizens Advice Bureau – a charity that can advise you on a range of issues, including finances prevent children and young people from experiencing gaming and gambling harms through awareness raising,
If another person’s gambling is affecting you, support is available from:
- GamAnon: local support groups
- GamFam: a lived experience support network
- Six to Ten project: support and information
Videos & Real Problem Gambling Stories – GambleAware