Neil McArthur – UKGC backs Leeds Clinic to develop stronger community networks

Neil McArthur, Chief Executive of the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has visited the site of the commissioned ‘Leeds Gambling Support Clinic’, which is due to open this summer.

Backed by the NHS Foundation and GamCare with a budget of £1 million per year, the clinic will be the first dedicated problem gambling support centre outside of London.

In its mandate the clinic will see GamCare develop its first ‘problem gambling support team’, strengthening the North of England’s gambling support networks, working alongside wider health and community stakeholders such as NHS staff, youth practitioners and further healthcare workers.

The Leeds Clinic will be led by Matt Gaskell, a senior NHS Psychologist, who will be further tasked with developing needed research on early detection and intervention of problem gambling.

Speaking on his visit, to the Yorkshire Evening Post,  McArthur detailed the UKGC’s full backing of the Clinic, as UK problem gambling stakeholders, seek to develop a wider community network in 2019.

“Where people have experienced problems it’s essential that they have seamless access to support and treatment, which involves the combined efforts of a variety of organisations.”

“The centre is a great step forward. When its doors are open, it will allow much easier access to services that identify, screen and treat people affected by gambling-related harms.”

“The commission welcomes this and we hope the hub in Leeds will form a template for the future.”