Protecting our Armed Forces from a different harm

As the UK celebrates Saturday’s Armed Forces Day, it’s a timely reminder of EPIC’s continued commitment to protecting those who protect us, with the sector among the highest risk of gambling-related harm.

Earlier this year, the RAF Benevolent Fund revealed that 12.5% of RAF personnel have reported gambling-related problems, while our own research among members of the armed forces uncovered that 78% of respondents from the various forces believe that gambling is an issue within their area.

Therefore, as the country salutes those who keep us safe, it’s a chance for our organisation to evaluate our offering to our service men and women, to ensure they’re aware of an entirely different risk to the type they encounter on active service.

One of EPIC’s most recent recruits, Paul Findlay MBE (pictured), is the company’s director of CSR, but in another life, he served in the British Army for 12 years, enduring life-changing injuries whilst on duty in Afghanistan as a corporal with 19 Light Brigade. Turning to gambling was one of his coping mechanisms after such a traumatic occurrence, with further turbulent consequences.

Reflecting on both his former and current roles, Paul explained:

“I am delighted to have joined EPIC, knowing that our Armed Forces are an essential part of our work.

“Having served and seen the devastating impact gambling harm has had on our serving military, veterans and loved ones, it is vital that we continue to deliver our education, prevention and awareness training.”

EPIC Risk Management have worked with numerous regiments across the country to deliver impactful stories, delivering a mix of workshops, seminars, live online sessions, pre-recorded video content and bespoke briefings to alert serving forces to the potential impact on time and finance to take risks in their personal lives in the gaps when they’re not taking the bravest of risks whilst in uniform.

To discover more about EPIC’s offering for the military, click here.