Staff, patients, families and members of the public joined the first session of CNWL Unpacked, a new expert-led webinar series designed to share specialist knowledge from across the Trust and support health and wellbeing.

The inaugural webinar focused on problematic gaming and gaming disorders, featuring experts from the National Centre for Gaming Disorders (NCGD), a national service hosted by CNWL.

Opening the session, Mark Maguire, Divisional Director for Diggory highlighted the aim of the series: to make the extraordinary expertise within CNWL more accessible to staff, their families and communities.

He said: "The purpose of this webinar series is simple – to open up that expertise and share it with staff for their own personal and family situations, and for friends and wider colleagues across the system."

Dr Rebecca Lockwood, Consultant Clinical Psychologist at the CNWL National Centre for Gaming Disorders, explained the difference between recreational gaming and gaming that has become harmful. While gaming can provide entertainment, achievement and social connection, she outlined how it can sometimes become a coping mechanism when individuals are struggling with difficult emotions, life events or social challenges.

Dr Lockwood described how modern games are designed to be highly engaging, offering rewards, progression systems and opportunities for players to connect with others online. She explained that gaming can become problematic when it begins to dominate a person's life, affecting areas such as education, work, relationships and wellbeing.

The webinar explored why some people may be more vulnerable to developing unhealthy gaming habits, including those experiencing emotional difficulties, major life transitions or challenges with self-esteem and social connection.

Becky Harris, Area Manager (Behavioural Addictions), CNWL Addiction Services, discussed the impact excessive gaming can have on family relationships and shared practical advice for parents and carers.

She encouraged families to move away from conflict-focused conversations and instead strengthen communication and understanding.

"Try to put down that rope," she said, describing the tug-of-war that can develop between parents and young people around gaming. "

"Work on the relationship outside of gaming and try not to react in the moment of most emotion."

The speakers highlighted the importance of curiosity, collaboration and consistency when supporting someone whose gaming may be becoming problematic. Advice included planning limits together, giving advance warnings before ending gaming sessions, understanding the games being played and focusing on healthy alternatives and routines.

The session also provided an overview of the support available through the National Centre for Gaming Disorders, which offers specialist assessment and treatment for people aged 13 and over, alongside support for parents, families and carers.

CNWL Unpacked forms part of the Trust's commitment to sharing specialist expertise more widely and helping people better understand issues that may affect them, their families or the communities they support.

The next webinar in the CNWL Unpacked series will continue to showcase expert knowledge from across the Trust on a range of important health and wellbeing topics.