Homelessness and Gambling Harm

• 1.30pm to 4pm
• Wednesday 24 April
• Online event (Teams)
• Book your place here

Are you a frontline worker who support people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness? Do you want to learn more about the links between gambling harm and homelessness, how you spot signs of risk and where to refer someone for support with gambling? Then join us for this online learning event facilitated by the Scottish Frontline Network!

We know that gambling can be a significant issue for people at risk of or experiencing homelessness – either a contributory factor to their homelessness, or a coping mechanism.

Whilst Scotland-specific research on the prevalence of gambling harm is limited, a 2014 study of people experiencing homelessness in London found that 11.6% were experiencing issues with gambling, compared with 0.7% of the general population.

If someone is struggling financially, gambling can seem to promise a quick “way out”, or if someone develops a gambling addiction it can lead to debt and adding pressure on people’s finances and relationships which then might put them at risk of homelessness.

The event will include a mix of: 

• Light touch training on how to identify someone at risk of gambling harm
• Information about treatment and support options (including the launch of Cyrenians’ new aftercare support service for people experiencing gambling harm and affected others)
• Resources and toolkits for staff working in and around homelessness
• Perspectives from lived experience of gambling harm

You will also get the chance to discuss the topic with other attendees and have your voice heard on upcoming policy initiatives.

At the event we will hear from:

• The RCA Trust – one of Scotland’s main gambling treatment providers
• Simon Community Scotland
• Cyrenians
• The ALLIANCE Lived Experience Panel

Sign up today for an opportunity to learn, chat and network!

NB: The event will take place on Microsoft Teams. You will receive an event link and joining instructions closer to the date. 

The Scottish Frontline Network is facilitated by Cyrenians, who are a partner of the Frontline Network. The Scottish Frontline Network supports those working on the frontline with people experiencing homelessness.

If you have any questions please contact Ursula Hofeldt at ScottishFrontlineNetwork@cyrenians.scot