APG holds sixth session of its inquiry into public health approaches to tackling gambling-related harms

On Monday (24 April) the Northern Ireland All Party Group (APG) on Reducing Harm Related to Gambling met for the sixth oral evidence session of its inquiry into public health approaches to tackling gambling-related harms. The group heard evidence from Professor Henrietta-Bowden Jones and Dr Donna Mullen, representing the Royal College of Psychiatrists and Dr Sharon McElroy, representing the British Psychology Society.

Dr McElroy explained that there aren't any statutory gambling addiction services in Northern Ireland and said that "there would need to be a specifically commissioned service" for gambling, as currently people who present with a gambling addiction are unable to be treated. This was echoed by Dr Mullen, who said that gambling is "an addiction disorder and our services should be expanded", adding that "we're not employed to access and treat those with gambling disorders". Dr McElroy emphasized that this is an "unmet need".

Professor Henrietta Bowden-Jones spoke of how England is nearing 15 specialist gambling clinics, which is a stark reminder of the lack of NHS provision for gambling addiction in NI. Professor Bowden-Jones also highlighted the importance of screening services, "if you don't screen people, generally people won't tell you they have a problem". She gave members an insight into her own experience in establishing statutory gambling addiction services and members were grateful for all of the advice.

Members were also informed that NIDirect has recently updated its Healthy Lives section on its website and now has a useful page on the possible effects of gambling, the support available and the tools to help manage a gambling problem.

The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 23 May from 12:00 - 13:00 at the Parliament Buildings.

To view Monday's session in full, click here.