Drug and alcohol support service Spark is set to provide new support service to people affected by gambling addiction in Blackburn and Darwen.

A Gambling Related Harms support worker will join the team, which has been funded by Blackburn with Darwen Council, and will implement activity to help people affected by gambling addiction at all stages of their treatment.

The support will be available from the beginning of March for 12 months. 

All new and existing clients in the recovery at Spark will be screened and treated for any possible gambling addictions in a range of settings across Blackburn with Darwen.

Spark says it will be able to support enquiries about gambling addictions from the public and signpost to partner agencies.

Spark was set up as a collaborative partnership between The Calico Group, Red Rose Recovery, IMO Charity, Early Break and Blackburn with Darwen Council to deliver alcohol and drug support for all ages.

Recent research published by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities suggests about 5,000 people in Blackburn with Darwen would benefit from support or treatment for gambling issues.

Service Manager at Spark Joanna Clarke said: “We are really excited to be introducing this element of support to the Spark Recovery Collaborative which will strengthen our service offer.

"We are looking forward to building effective working partnerships with professional services to create new referral pathways into support for those experiencing gambling related harms.

"Gambling addictions can cause a serious impact on mental health, relationships and society. It leads to poor health, financial instability and social problems, causing distress to individuals and communities.”

MORE: Major study into Blackburn with Darwen's gambling problems

Councillor Damian Talbot, executive member for public health, prevention and wellbeing, said: “Gambling harms can be an overlooked addiction, but a growing number of people in our borough are experiencing the harmful impacts of gambling.

"This is not just people directly involved, but their families, loved ones and friends. 

“This new service is very welcome and will give support to people who are struggling with gambling in Blackburn with Darwen and I would like to encourage anyone who thinks they might need help to access the services available.”

An estimated 460,000 people in the UK are said to be problem gamblers - an issue which could cost society around £1.27 billion each year.

For more information or any support you can contact Spark at 01254 495014 or email BWD@calico.org.uk