Campaign to promote responsible gambling hailed 'a success' despite only six people coming forward for help
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A CAMPAIGN to promote responsible gambling has been hailed a success despite the low number of people who stepped forward for help.
Merkinch Gamble Support Week ran as a partnership last month between the Association of British Bookmakers in Scotland (ABB Scotland), local addictions charity For the Right Reasons and Paisley charity RCA Trust, specialists in addiction support.
Also involving bookmakers William Hill and Ladbrokes the project was the first of its kind in Scotland.
There has been controversy over the number of betting outlets close to each other in Merkinch, with three shops providing easy access to 12 controversial fixed odds betting terminals.
In the end just six individuals came forward for counselling in the area during the course of the awareness week.
But despite this Richard Burkitt, director of For the Right Reasons, said it was still a worthwhile exercise.
“I think the campaign was quite visible and just to have people of all ages in Merkinch thinking more about gambling was a good thing,” he said.
“Hopefully it has at least let people know there is help out there if they need it.
“Ideally I’d like Gamblers Anonymous to have a permanent presence in Merkinch but, until that happens, anyone who needs help can get in touch with For the Right Reasons on 01463 237969.”
ABB Scotland spokesman Donald Morrison said problem gambling is not a big problem in Scotland but the organisation was happy to be involved in the Merkinch event.
“The primary aim of this campaign was to raise awareness about the support networks that exist for the small number of people who may have problems with gambling and we believe the campaign achieved this aim through a combination of shop leaflets and posters, counselling support and outreach work with around 90 senior pupils from Inverness High School,” he said.
The first time ABB Scotland has run a project in a specific area, he added: “We will continue to work with local charity For the Right Reasons to provide whatever community support they believe is necessary.
“We now intend to roll out similar community campaigns across Scotland using the Merkinch pilot as a template for future campaigns.”
