The Gambling Awareness Trust (gamblingcare.ie) is delighted to announce the appointment of Oisin McConville as Brand Ambassador. The aim of the National charity is to reduce gambling harm in Ireland. Established in 2018, GamblingCare.ie has worked tirelessly to ensure anyone affected by harmful gambling can access specialist therapeutic support services easily, quickly, and free. The Trust has collaborated with a wide range of excellent service providers across the country and currently funds over 30 services in Ireland, dedicated to helping those affected by gambling addiction.
A former Armagh All-Ireland winner, Oisin McConville retired from football in 2013 aged 37, having won a personal battle with gambling addiction. The double All-star entered a 13-week residential programme at Cuan Mhuire, Galway. He is passionate about supporting people and guiding them towards meaningful help. Oisin has aided countless individuals and families struggling to cope with gambling addiction. When asked why he chose to work with the GamblingCare.ie Oisin said,
“I’m amazed at what GamblingCare.ie has achieved in helping to deal with this ‘hidden’ form of addiction. The charity is doing fantastic work and I’m really excited to help with their continuing efforts to tackle the increasing problem of gambling addiction in Ireland.”
Oisin will help create powerful films, interviews, podcasts, and educational content for GamblingCare.ie to help reduce the stigma around problem gambling.
The aim is simple. Get people help.
The current awareness campaign on RTE and TG4, features McConville and two more GAA personalities, Richie Power for Kilkenny, and Conn Kilpatrick of Tyrone. It encourages anyone affected to reach out. The ad has delivered huge impact, encouraging many people to take the first step and reach for help.
“That’s exactly what we wanted to achieve. We want people to understand they are not alone, and that help is available. I’m looking forward to supporting the Gambling Awareness Trust to deliver that message and to reduce the stigma around gambling addiction in Ireland”, said McConville.
CEO, Pam Bergin, said “Oisin has been incredibly supportive of the work we do, acknowledging the wide range of supports available to anyone needing help be they the person experiencing gambling addiction or their family and friends. We are confident that anyone who needs help can get the support they need through our network of services”, she said.
The National Problem Gambling Support Service delivered through the Family Resource Centre National Forum has been a huge success, offering specialist Gambling Counselling in rural and urban communities right across the country. Professional, specialist online support is available through HelpLink with a bespoke Gambling Residential Treatment Programme provided through Cuan Mhuire for those with more complex needs. In 2023 almost 6,000 counselling sessions were provided to over 1100 individuals experiencing gambling harm. 220 individuals completed the 12-week Residential Treatment Programme with over 4,000 callers to the National Helpline.
If anyone needs support, call the National Helpline on 1800 936 725 or go to www.gamblingcare.ie