Armed Forces Covenant Fund Campaign
Thank you to the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust who produced this powerful story for their Armed Forces Covenant Fund Campaign. Ian bravely shares…
Read moreLed by Beacon Counselling Trust
Free, confidential support for the Armed Forces community
The Armed Forces Gambling Support Network (AFGSN), led by Beacon Counselling Trust, is a gambling related harms collaborative partnership committed to preventing and reducing gambling related harms within the armed forces and veterans’ community.
- Completely free
- Confidential
- Lived experience at the heart of it
10×
Veterans are up to ten times more likely to have gambling issues than the UK population
Why it matters
Gambling harm is a hidden battle
Evidence shows that veterans are ten times more likely to have gambling issues adversely impacting them and those around them than the UK population.
The Ministry of Defence has declared it takes gambling harm seriously and is committed to reducing stigma, supporting those affected, and improving access to help across the Armed Forces community.
Our mission is to reduce the risk and incidence of gambling related harm amongst the military and veterans’ community by creating an enduring support service for armed forces personnel, veterans and the colleagues, friends, and families of both.
How we can help
Support, training and a network behind you
Get support
Free, specialist support and treatment for anyone affected by gambling, including family, friends and partners.
Find support‘Battling the Odds’ training
Free ‘Bet You Can Help’ training that helps the Armed Forces community spot gambling harms early and support others.
About the trainingResources
Our Year One Report, programme guides, short films and podcasts from people with lived experience.
See resourcesJoin us
Work with the network to protect those serving, veterans and their families from gambling harm.
Get involvedShort film
“The Unseen Enemy”
A short film that explores gambling related harms within the armed forces and veterans community.
This collaborative production is made possible with contributions from veterans and ‘affected others’ with Lived Experience of gambling related harms and specialists from within the gambling harms support sector.
You’re not alone
Support for the whole Armed Forces community
These specialist support services are completely free, confidential, and tailored to meet the needs of the armed forces community, with armed forces and gambling harms lived experience at the heart of all support programmes.
Who we support
We support anyone who is:
- Currently serving or has previously served in the armed forces
- A member of the wider armed forces community (including family members)
- Affected by someone else’s gambling
How we can help
We can link people into a range of support options, including:
- Advice and guidance on gambling-related harm
- Mental health treatment from qualified professionals
- Peer and recovery support from people with lived experience
- Referrals to the most appropriate specialist services
Whether you are seeking help for yourself or someone else, we will ensure you are connected to the right support. Reaching out can be the first step towards recovery.
Training feedback
What people say about our training
“I strongly recommend this for any case officers and staff working in Welfare working directly with customers.”
“Both the trainers had lived experience and, as such, shared their first-hand knowledge about the subject and the impact gambling had had on their lives. They were both very open, honest, and passionate about their desire to help others with this addiction and what we could look out for and offer in the way of support to our beneficiaries.”
“Just knowing what support is available for people with gambling issues so I know where to signpost them. I also found the insight into gambling and how harmful it can be very informative.”
“The course is easy to follow and has taught me things about gambling I didn’t even realise.”
“I don’t mind admitting, I was sceptical of the need at first as gambling has never registered on my radar as a problem. The training has changed my perception. I will be sure to promote the training within Lyneham, and within future roles. I cannot believe it was free, and had it not been, I would still be ill informed and unaware of the dangers. Simply, thank you.”
Media & news
Latest from the network
BBC Radio Devon
A great conversation around the dangers of gambling harms with the High Sheriff of Devon, Caroline Harlow and Caroline Densley on BBC Radio Devon.…
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BBC Radio 4 – File on 4 Investigates
Recent research from Simon Dymond and his team at Swansea University / Prifysgol Abertawe has really added weight to what the Armed Forces Gambling…
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