However, if this group has been waiting a long time for help, then two proverbial buses have shown up at once! The National Addictions Management Service (Nams) at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) has also introduced a programme for the family members of problem gamblers. According to Acting Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports, Chan Chun Sing, ‘Often, we may not be aware, or may forget, that it is usually the families who suffer the effects of an addict’s excessive habits.’
The Ministry commissioned a study to look into how gambling affects the wellbeing of family members, and found that, unsurprisingly, financial security and legal woes are some key concerns they face. For example, Mr Chan pointed out, families often owe money to banks or licensed money lenders, and ‘many of them find it difficult to understand the contractual terms related to their loans. They fear the loss of their homes, their cars and the possibility of facing bankruptcy.’
Therefore, the NCPG started a pilot in May offering free legal and financial advisory services to address the needs of affected family members. Family members can attend sessions conducted by social workers, who use toolkits to help them manage their problems. One of these toolkits is a financial one, which offers advice on prioritising spending, budgeting and keeping up with repayment. The Law Society’s Pro Bono Services Office developed the legal toolkit, which deals with bankruptcy, protection of assets, and dealing with divorce and family violence.
The Ang Mo Kio Family Service Centre, Hougang Sheng Hong Family Service Centre and Thye Hua Kwan Problem Gambling Recovery Centre all offer the programme, which 12 families have gone through so far. NCPG chairman Lim Hock San explained, ‘We recognise that the impact of problem gambling goes beyond the individual problem gambler.’