People working in sport are four times more likely to be impacted by gambling related harm.
The impact of problem gambling is far reaching and the addiction often does not exist in isolation. Gambling addiction impacts a person’s overall wellbeing, and the wellbeing of those around them, and may be linked to other physical or mental health challenges.
Racing Welfare are working with EPIC Global Solutions to raise awareness of, minimise and ultimately prevent gambling-related harm through a programme of high-impact, educational workshops. Those attending a workshop will:
Hear powerful stories from those with lived experience of problem gambling
Learn to recognise the signs that you or someone you know could be struggling with a gambling addiction
Learn effective management and control measures
Find out what support is available to those within our industry
Workshops are free of charge to people working within the horseracing industry and can be arranged at a workplace upon request.
Watch the video to find out what to expect from an EPIC gambling harm awareness workshop.
If you’re interested in attending a workshop or arranging one for your workplace, please contact:
Liam Dyche | Senior Programme Manager at EPIC Risk Management
Loneliness is affecting more and more of us in the UK and we know this can have a huge impact on our physical and mental health.
In 2022 the Campaign to End Loneliness reported that almost 50% of adults in the UK felt lonely occasionally, sometimes, often or always; and 7.1% of people (3.83 million) experienced chronic loneliness, meaning they feel lonely ‘often or always’. This has risen from 6% in 2020, indicating that there has not been a return to pre-pandemic levels.
(Source: BBC, 2018)
Our connection to other people and our community is fundamental to protecting our mental health and Racing Welfare is here to help you tackle feelings of loneliness or social isolation.
We all know how important it is to take care of our physical wellbeing. However, it’s also vital that we look after our mental wellbeing. If you’re feeling low, sad or stressed then racing welfare can help in a variety of ways.
Racing Welfare is committed to ensuring that racing’s workforce can access mental health and wellbeing support services when required, free of charge and without lengthy waiting lists. All of our welfare officers have received mental health first aid training or will do so within their first year in post. They are able to provide information and advice to people regarding mental health support and counselling options.
We run two types of mental health courses, a half-day awareness course and a two-day first aid course.
A Mental Health First Aider® as equally as important as a Physical Health First Aider – the two are entwined together and affect each other. Therefore it is crucial we have someone in every workplace to spot the early warning signs and symptoms of mental ill-health and to have the confidence to start up what could potentially be a lifesaving conversation. Be proactive and make sure you have someone that could help save lives!
Benefits of becoming a Mental Health First Aider®
Understanding the meaning of Mental Health and the factors that affect our wellbeing.
Able to spot the common early warning signs and symptoms of mental ill health and start up a conversation.
Confidence to approach someone in distress and support
Following the pandemic, mental health training has never been more important.
Enhance interpersonal skills such as non-judgement listening
Understand how to look after your own wellbeing, especially when supporting others.
Training reduces stigma, increases confidence in assisting someone with a mental health issue.
Supporting someone in recovery.
Build resilience in the workplace
Mental health is a growing concern and is indicated that one in four of us are likely to experience a mental health issue each year, which is likely to impact on our ability to work. Mental ill health is the single largest cause of disability in the UK, with the cost of mental illness to the economy estimated at around £105 billion annually (Department of Health). This includes direct costs of services, lost productivity at work and reduced quality of life.
One of the most effective ways to reduce costs is through ensuring that your workplace has recognised accredited mental health training.
As a parent or guardian working in the racing industry, we understand that it can be a real challenge to find good quality childcare to fit in with your working life. You are your child’s most important carer, and it’s what you and your children do together at home that is most important in giving them the best start in life. Care from friends, grandparents and other relatives plays a vital role too.
There are a range of choices out there, from nursery schools to pre-schools to child-minders.
Domestic violence is any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between adults who are or have been in an intimate relationship, marriage or family relationship, regardless of gender or sexuality.
Domestic violence can happen to anyone. Noticing and acknowledging the warning signs and symptoms of domestic violence and abuse is the first step to ending it. No one should live in fear of the person they love. If you recognise yourself or someone you know in the following warning signs and descriptions of abuse, don’t hesitate to reach out. There is help available.
A funeral has different meanings for different people. It is an opportunity to say goodbye to the person who has died and to mourn their loss. It can also be an occasion to celebrate their life and express thankfulness for them. Some people leave a written record or have told family or friends what arrangements they would prefer for their funeral. They may also have had a pre-paid funeral plan in place. If this is the case, the process of arranging the funeral is a little simpler.
However, if you are unsure of their wishes, there are a range of decisions you will need to make, from deciding on the type of funeral and location through to the choice of music and readings.
Racing Welfare organises a number of events around the UK in a bid to tackle loneliness and isolation amongst retired staff, their partners and carers. The trips provide an opportunity to meet with familiar faces and enjoy a social event with like-minded people.
It has been announced that from June 1, 2020 pensioners aged over 75 will have to pay for their TV licence having previously received them for free. The TV licence costs £154.50 a year.
When planning for your own retirement you will have different things to consider, depending on your current situation. How you make your plan will be unique to you.
