Gambling harm training for The RNBT and naval charity partners

Our Wellbeing Support Advisors Phil Shuttleworth MBE and Chrissie Hughes (pictured) recently completed the Level 2  ‘Battling the Odds’ programme,  designed specifically to address gambling-related harms within the armed forces community.

Training was delivered by Andy Gallie of the Beacon Counselling Trust and Matt Losing of Ara Recovery for All at our headquarters here in Portsmouth, along with representatives from five other naval charity partners – Veterans Outreach Support, Royal Marines Charity, Naval Families Federation, Naval Children’s Charity, and Royal Naval Association.

Addressing gambling-related harms in the armed forces

‘Battling the Odds’ aims to educate and support military personnel and their leadership in understanding the links between service life and gambling-related issues. Developed with funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, the programme promotes access to specialist treatment and support services for those affected.

Key objectives of the programme include:

• Enhancing understanding: Providing learners with comprehensive knowledge about gambling-related harms prevalent in the armed forces community.
• Reducing stigma: Encouraging a culture that diminishes the stigma associated with gambling issues, thereby fostering an environment where individuals feel comfortable seeking help.
• Promoting support access: Increasing the number of armed forces members accessing the National Gambling Treatment Service and other appropriate support mechanisms.

Empowering naval charities to support beneficiaries 

By focusing on education, stigma reduction, and facilitating access to support services, ‘Battling the Odds’ empowers naval charities to identify and support members of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines experiencing the adverse effects of gambling. The RNBT team was so grateful to receive the training. 

Phil Shuttleworth, RNBT Wellbeing Support Advisor (and former RM Warrant Officer) commented:

“Gambling is increasing in the naval population, and Andy and Matt portrayed how to identify and confront gambling harms and to spread the awareness of the damage it can do. A brilliant course by two people who have been there and done it, passing on their good work of the pitfalls and harm that gambling can do to individuals and families.”

Chrissie Hughes, RNBT Wellbeing Support Advisor (and former WRNS and RN Master At Arms) added:

“The training has given me the confidence to support our beneficiaries and those close to them who may be affected by gambling harm. It provided some useful practical tools, particularly how to avoid stigma and to understand why language matters. The insights demonstrated by the lived experience of the presenters was priceless. I feel more empowered to support RNBT beneficiaries when signposting them to early intervention and how to self-exclude.”

Are you affected by gambling? We’re here to help

In 2024, 55,000 calls were made to the National Gambling Helpline. 

If your gambling – or the gambling of someone close to you – has had a negative effect on your life, please take that first step to talk to someone.

Chrissie and Phil can confidentially discuss the support available. Contact our helpline by emailing help@rnbt.org.uk or by calling +44(0)2394 216294 during our office hours: Monday to Friday from 0800 to 1600.

To learn more about how your armed forces organisation can receive this free training, contact Andy Gallie of the Beacon Counselling Trust.