FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ara Recovery for All Celebrates Wynne Construction as First Welsh Signatory of Gambling Related Harms Workplace Charter
Bristol, UK – December 1st, 2023
Ara Recovery for All announces a groundbreaking milestone in the fight against gambling-related harms, as Wynne Construction is set to become the inaugural organisation in Wales to sign the Gambling Related Harms Workplace Charter on December 5th.
The Charter’s significance lies in its provision of a comprehensive framework for action; in adhering to the seven commitments outlined in the agreement, organisations are mandated to guide their staff towards healthier choices and provide support to overcome challenges associated with gambling behaviours. In its role as the Gambling Harms Treatment Provider for Wales and the South West, Ara Recovery for All sees this initiative as a vital element in addressing the estimated 1.3 million harmful gamblers in the UK, a figure brought to the forefront by recent data from the Gambling Commission.
New figures from the Gambling Commission indicate a staggering increase, revealing that as much as 2.5% of the adult British population may be suffering from problem gambling (PGSI score of 8+), a notable surge from the previous figure of 0.3%. Despite ostensible industry scepticism, Ara Recovery for All finds resonance in these findings, substantiated by their own data and that of the NGSN. Harmful gambling contributes to workplace absence, costing businesses and the national economy over £1.27 billion annually, revealing the importance of business leaders addressing the impact of gambling related harms onto their employees.
Marc Skinner, Ara’s Community Engagement Manager for North Wales, expresses his enthusiasm and pride in uniting with Wynne Construction for this Charter signing, highlighting the shared commitment to tackling gambling-related harms for the benefit of employees:
“On behalf of Ara Recovery for All I am proud to be partnering with Wynne Construction, the first organisation in Wales to sign the Gambling Related Harms Workplace Charter. Employees are the lifeblood of any organisation. Their health and wellbeing are central to its sustainability. By signing the Gambling Related Harms Workplace Charter, Wynne Construction are showing their commitment to employees by building a framework of support that allows them to make healthier choices and overcome problems with gambling behaviour.”
One of Ara’s Community Engagement Leads, Matt Losing, will deliver two talks on the signing day to on-site workers in Bangor, shedding light on the significance of this Charter in breaking the stigma associated with gambling harms within workplace environments. He will first speak to workers at the Plas Penrhos site, before moving onto Pen Y Ffridd, where the Charter will be signed. Both sites are being built to deliver social housing for Adra, North Wales’ largest housing association with Plas Penrhos providing 39 apartments for residents over the age of 55 or with disabilities, and Pen Y Ffridd providing 30 two and three bedroom energy efficient homes.
Chris Wynne, The Managing Director of Wynne Construction, emphasises in a statement the company’s dedication to the health and wellbeing of its workforce, expressing pride in joining forces with Ara Recovery for All to address this pervasive issue:
“Supporting the health and wellbeing of our workforce is of utmost importance to us as a company, and this is why we are proud to sign the Workplace Charter with Ara today. We recognise that gambling can become a significant problem for some, and that many find it hard to be open about it with those closest to them, and often their employer for fear of losing their job. By signing this charter, we commit to adopting a support-first approach to enable us to sensitively help any colleagues struggling with harmful gambling.”
Ara Recovery for All applauds Wynne Construction’s proactive stance and looks forward to further collaboration aimed at fostering healthier communities and workplaces. Their commitment to this workplace charter will help to pave the way for a future where individuals impacted by gambling harms can find hope within their own organisations and ultimately build better lives. As the initiative continues to gather momentum, the ripple effect of such commitments promises to make a lasting impact in creating supportive and empathetic workplaces across the UK.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Jonathan Davis (Communications Coordinator)
jonathandavis@recovery4all.co.uk
0795619438
About Ara Recovery for All:
Ara Recovery for All is a Bristol-based charity providing housing, drug and alcohol treatment, and gambling harms recovery. As the Gambling Harms Treatment Provider for Wales and the South West, Ara is committed to offering free and confidential treatment and support to individuals facing challenges with gambling.
