Did you know that for every person experiencing harmful gambling – estimated to be over 200,000 in Scotland alone – an average of six other people close to them are also affected? Or that the 5% of people at highest risk of gambling harm generate almost 60% of gambling industry profits?

In the opening webinar of what we hope will be an ongoing series in collaboration with Fast Forward, please join us to discover the evidence that surrounds gambling harm and its disproportionate impact on many of our most vulnerable library users. We will explore the vital role that library professionals of all sectors can play in being aware of the risks, signposting supportive resources, and harnessing our uniquely trusted relationships with patrons to create space for tough yet necessary community conversations about the stark reality of gambling harm and the stigma that still surrounds it.

In the session, Fast Forward will share the draft of a bespoke poster about gambling harm and support options that they are designing for Scotland’s libraries, and we will welcome your feedback on what should go into the final draft to make it as user-friendly as possible in your frontline library spaces. There will also be time for you to ask any questions and to help shape the future of this collaborative project series: what could a library-led gambling harm response look like and what resources do your colleagues and user communities require (including sector-specific online sessions, in person pop-ups, a dedicated toolkit or something entirely different)?

This online session is free and open to all CILIP members. Please register here to receive the joining link in advance.