GRAYS Athletic FC has become the first football club in the country to sign a national Workplace Charter for Gambling Harms.

On Saturday, (28 February) the local club officially signed up to the charter, backed by Thurrock MP Jen Craft, which aims to support those affected by problem gambling.

Led by national charity Breakeven, a member of the National Gambling Support Network, the Workplace Charter sets out a clear framework of support for staff and athletes. 

Mrs Craft, a Thurrock resident, joined management, players, and volunteers on Saturday in supporting this step towards combatting problem gambling locally.

In Thurrock, the proportion of local people at risk of participating in harmful gambling is almost double the national average. Just over three per cent of residents actively struggle with this addiction, with often devastating effects on their finances and relationships.

Thurrock Council has estimated that – when housing, social care and criminal justice impacts are accounted for – gambling harms cost the borough almost £4 million every year.

 Grays Athletic are working to raise awareness of the issue, breakdown stigma, and encourage those affected to seek professional support.

They've also been promoting the work of Breakeven to volunteers and supporters of the club, and have begun implementing the principles of the Workplace Charter within their youth teams.

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In the East of England, Breakeven offer treatment for anyone affected by gambling related harm – whether they gamble themselves or have been impacted by the behaviour of a close family member or friend. All support is completely confidential and can be provided over the phone, via video calls, or in individual or group therapy sessions.

Mrs Craft said: "Gambling doesn't look like it used too. It happens behind closed doors on phones and laptops and, as a result, far too many people are struggling silently.

"We've got to do more to break down the stigma associated with this addiction and encourage those affected to get professional help.

"I am so impressed by the work being done at Grays Athletic, they've set the bar high and I hope to see football clubs across the country follow suit."

1. Gambling risk & prevalence in Thurrock

https://democracy.thurrock.gov.uk/documents/s51099/3%20Preventing%20Avoidable%20Gambling%20Harms%20in%20Thurrock.pdf#:~:text=In%20Thurrock%2C%20prevalence%20is%20markedly%20higher%2C%20with,information%20can%20be%20found%20in%20appendix%202.

1.  Cost to the Council

https://democracy.thurrock.gov.uk/documents/s51099/3%20Preventing%20Avoidable%20Gambling%20Harms%20in%20Thurrock.pdf#:~:text=In%20Thurrock%2C%20prevalence%20is%20markedly%20higher%2C%20with,information%20can%20be%20found%20in%

Workplace Charter Info - https://www.breakeven.org.uk/education-and-training

How to access support - Breakeven (East England)