MESSINA (ITALPRESS) – “We are pleased to announce the management of listening points in the territory, a fundamental initiative to combat the phenomenon of gambling and provide support to those affected. Data show a worrying increase in cases related to gambling, Messina is the first province in Sicily, Patti the second municipality in Italy, for this reason, we decided to expand our assistance. These points represent an opportunity for citizens to receive information, support and guidance toward paths to recovery. We are committed to working in synergy with local communities to raise awareness and inform about the risks of gambling, promoting healthy lifestyles.” This was said by the general director of the Asp of Messina, Giuseppe Cuccì, during the press conference presenting “Antennae,” the listening desks that aim to promote prevention and support initiatives to counter the phenomenon of pathological gambling.”We hope that these services will be used,” Cuccì continued, “because the first step toward solving problems related to pathological gambling is to recognize them and ask for help. “The conference was also attended by Asp mental health department director Giuseppe Rao, Pietro Russo of Serd and Domenico Incorvaia of the F.A.R.O. Solidarity Center, organizers of the project, Police Headquarters spokesman Salvatore Gulizia, and municipal councillor for social policies Alessandra Calafiore. “These listening spaces,” explained Mental Health Department Director Giuseppe Rao, “are dedicated to providing support and information to those who face problems related to gaming, promoting awareness and sensitization on the associated risks. Importantly, the Asp is preparing an electromedical tool: a trans cranial magnetic stimulation to intervene on individuals with severe pathological problems. In addition, an integrated approach between institutions, associations, and the community is essential to effectively address this phenomenon and to offer concrete help to those in need. Psychologists are actively engaged in gambling prevention, offering support and counseling to anyone who feels the need. Through outreach and education, our psychologists work to inform the community about the risks of gambling and ways to avoid it. Prevention is key: useful tools and strategies must be provided to recognize and manage risky behaviors. The listening desks are co-managed by the Provincial Health Authority of Messina through the Department of Mental Health and by a dense “cordate” of third sector entities in Messina. “Councillor for Social Policies of the Municipality of Messina Alessandra Calafiore highlighted the importance “of interventions that aim to raise community awareness of the risks related to gambling and provide support to those affected.” The councilor stressed the need to collaborate with different entities, such as associations, social services and institutions, to implement information campaigns and prevention programs. He also reiterated the municipal administration’s commitment to promoting initiatives that promote the social well-being and health of citizens. “The Antenna project,” stressed Pietro Russo of Serd, “represents a decisive step in our fight against gambling, aimed at raising awareness and supporting vulnerable people. Through Antennae, we intend to create a listening and intervention network that can pick up and respond to the needs of communities most affected by gambling. This project not only provides direct support to those in need, but also promotes awareness of gambling-related risks through information campaigns. We believe that a proactive approach, such as that proposed by the Antenna project, can make a difference in preventing and addressing pathological gambling issues. We invite everyone to actively participate in the Antenne project’s initiatives, because together we can build a more informed and resilient community against gambling. “We offer,” remarks Domenico Incorvaia of the F.A.R.O. Solidarity Center, “listening and support services to deal with difficulties related to gambling, helping people build healthier relationships with gambling. Our goal is to create a network of social protection to provide points of reference for prevention and support against gambling. “To take the field alongside the Health Authority are many organizations from the third sector in Messina, many of them historically involved in the field of pathological addictions: the F.A.R.O. Solidarity Center, the “Santa Maria della Strada” social cooperative, the Le.Lat. association, the “Padre Pino Puglisi” Antiusura Foundation, and the “Centro Studio Horus” association. Also a partner in the project is the Archdiocese of Messina, Lipari and Santa Lucia del Mela through the diocesan Caritas. The four listening points are located throughout the provincial territory: in Sant’Agata di Militello for the Tyrrhenian area, in Merì for the Milazzoe area of the Aeolian Islands, in Santa Teresa di Riva for the Ionian area and in the Messina capital.
– Photos Asp of Messina –
(ITALPRESS).
