About us
The Armed Forces Gambling Support Network
A gambling related harms collaborative partnership, led by Beacon Counselling Trust, committed to preventing and reducing gambling related harms within the armed forces and veterans’ community.
Who we are
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.
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. Evidence shows that veterans are ten times more likely to have gambling issues adversely impacting them and those around them than the UK population.
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.
The network not only works closely with organisations that are committed to engaging with the issue of gambling related harms within armed forces communities, but is also able to support with pathways into free, specialist support and treatment to individuals directly impacted by gambling, including affected family, friends and partners.
What we do
- Training
Delivery of the ‘Bet You Can Help’ gambling related harms training programme, with a module created specifically for the armed forces community. - Referral pathways
Seamless referral pathways from multiple touchpoints within the armed forces community to the right level of specialist support. - Awareness & engagement
Direct engagement with the armed forces community to reduce stigma and identify harms early.
Network members
Who leads the network
Funding & recognition
Proud to support Defence
Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust
In May of 2023, BCT received funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund to deliver ‘Battling the Odds’, the Armed Forces specific gambling-related harms training programme to the Armed Forces community across the North West, and since have expanded to the AFGSN partners across the UK.
Silver Award
BCT are extremely proud to have been awarded the Silver award, under the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme for recognition in showing our support to Defence and the wider Armed Forces community.
The Employer Recognition Scheme was launched to reward employers who support Defence People objectives and encourage others to do the same. This includes employing serving and former members of the Armed Forces community and demonstrating flexibility towards training and mobilisation commitments for Reservists and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers.
Bronze Award
Beacon Counselling Trust (BCT), RCA Trust and Ara Recovery for All are extremely proud to be recipients of the Armed Forces Covenant Bronze Award. The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) encourages employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same. The scheme encompasses bronze, silver, and gold awards for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the Armed Forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.
To achieve bronze status holders are required to demonstrate their pledge in supporting the Armed Forces, including existing or prospective employees who are members of the community. Holders must have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and promote being Armed Forces friendly, and are open to employing reservists, Armed Forces veterans (including the wounded, injured and sick), cadet instructors and military spouses/partners.
Year One Report
Read our first year report online, or download it as a PDF.
For any enquiries, please contact armedforces@
