Ara Recovery 4 all

We are proud to support the Armed Forces Community as part of the Armed Forces Gambling Support Network and the 'Battling the Odds' programme. We do this alongside Beacon Counselling Trust, RCA Trust, Breakeven and BetKnowMore. Collectively giving the programme coverage throught Wales and SW England (Ara), NW England (BCT), SE England and Anglia (Breakeven), London and Home Counties (BetKnowMore) and all of Scotland (RCA Trust).

This programme provides free gambling-related harms training and treatment for professionals supporting the Armed Forces, serving personnel (regular and reserves), Veterans communities and signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant. As part of this programme, we also offer free treatment and 1 to 1 practical support for those affected by somebody else’s gambling and a wide range of aftercare programmes to support recovery.

The ‘Battling the Odds’ educational offer includes specific content examining why the Armed Forces are at risk of gambling-related harms, alongside examining how gambling can impact the brain, the risk factors associated with this issue, how to identify harms in serving personal and veterans, and the help and specialist support available.

We offer a 1.5hr introduction session which can be delivered face to face or online, we also offer a full day RSPH accredited Level 2 training session which we deliver face to face. Our training is deleivered by Matt who is in recovery from his own first had experience with gambling harms and is also a Royal Navy veteran, we believe in the value of lived experience and how it can aid individuals in their own recovery. 

We recognise the potential additonal needs that the Armed Forces community may require in accessing support services and the confidentiality that may be requested to talk about their needs.

For more information contact Matt Losing - Armed Forces Education and Training Lead for Wales and SW England