On Thursday's 'Déise Today', Damien talked to Barry Grant. Barry is the founder of a Waterford based support group called 'Problem Gambling Ireland'. This group offers support for anyone affected by gambling addictions. Barry himself is an addiction counsellor and it is his speciality. He says that this week is an incredibly tough week for people that are battling or have battled gambling problems and it is also a tough week for the families.
Damien asked Barry on what gambling companies are doing to battle this epidemic and Barry said that "there is very little regulation to stop gambling companies" and that essentially they can do what they want. The conversation delved into how these companies are very good at advertising their content within the guidelines set by the 'Ireland advertising standards authority' especially with social media. Damien said that "it is inserted into their brains from a young age of these gambling companies and when they get older this may cause an addiction".
You can listen to that full interview here!
https://soundcloud.com/wlrfmwaterford/deise-today-14th-march-chelthenham-and-the-isuses-of-addicted-gambling/s-PLVPu
It was another great show on 'Déise Today' this Thursday morning. We had 'Minister for Agriculture' Michael Creed' on to talk about Brexit and his fears for farmers most notably farmers with cows. We also had John Cummins, who is a Fine Gael councilman for 'Waterford City and County Council' who was talking about how the council has "missed the boat" on developing the former Ryan's pub in Ballybeg. We also had a chat with a Waterford woman who is promoting arthritis awareness and the effects it can have on children.
You can listen to the full version of Déise Today here!
https://soundcloud.com/wlrfmwaterford/deise-today-thursday-14th-february-2020/s-R8gIf
If you are affected by gambling problems and want to seek health. You can contact their helpline on 089 241 5401 or visit their website at https://www.problemgambling.ie/
