The Bennie Group Mental Health Awareness Week - My Gambling Addiction Webinar with the Mintridge Foundation

Patrick Foster is a former professional cricketer, insurance broker and independent school teacher whose life was torn to shreds by his pathological gambling addiction. Despite his idyllic upbringing and incredible success as a youngster, Patrick's life become monopolised by gambling from his University days onwards as he found making the transition from playing sport and into the real world a huge challenge. His gambling addiction brought him to the verge of taking his own life in March 2018.

Despite our desire for every week to be Mental Health Awareness Week here at the Mintridge Foundation, we have showcased the week with a webinar with Patrick Foster and the Bennie Group employees. According to the Chartered Institute of Building, 87% of employees within the construction industry experience anxiety and for the Bennie Group to be supporting the workforce with webinars like this is great to see.

Patrick shared his harrowing story within a very space for everyone listening. A story of addiction, mental health and looking to the future rather than the past.

“You’re the only person that really knows what is going on. It is your responsibility. ”

— Patrick Foster

The honesty and vulnerability that Patrick shared so openly allowed an opportunity for thoughts and questions around supporting colleagues, recognising signs and what needs to be done in the gambling industry. Thoughts that will help and support family, friends and colleagues far beyond Mental Health Awareness Week.

Thank you very much to the Bennie Group for inviting Patrick to share his story with you and we look forward to working with you again in the future.

Patrick’s webinar series is part of his London Marathon campaign and if you would like to make a donation to Patrick's London Marathon Challenge for #TeamMintridge, you can do so here.

The Mintridge Foundation is a registered charity dedicated to enhancing life skills in young people through sport. We provide a support network for young people by harnessing the power of positive sporting role models. The Mintridge Foundation assists young people of all ages, abilities and physical capabilities to develop confidence and resilience, and creates awareness of the importance of mental and physical wellbeing through sport.

Our team of Ambassadors - Olympians, Paralympians and other professional sports stars from over 20 sports, both team and individual - work with young people in schools, clubs and academies across the UK. Starting with visits including assemblies, coaching clinics and classroom sessions tailored to each organisation’s requirements, our ambassadors can then provide one- on- one remote mentoring in a safeguarded environment, delivered via technology such as Fitswarm and Playwaze to build a lasting legacy for individuals.

The Mintridge Foundation’s successes demonstrate the incredible power of sport; from a mentee’s selection to represent Great Britain in their chosen field to enabling disabled children to find confidence and happiness just through participation. Understanding life after sport, we also support our Ambassadors in their transition from active sport to the next stage of their careers.