GamCare is the leading UK provider of free information, advice and support for anyone harmed by gambling, whether yourself or someone close to you. They also provide training for professionals who work with people who may be affected by gambling.
GamCare has advisers you can speak to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on the phone or live chat. They also have a group text chatroom where you can speak to others in similar situations, and an online message board which is a safe and secure space to explore your situation.
The GamGare website has a section on ‘Understanding Gambling Problems’, with helpful information and resources such as:
- How can gambling affect your life?
- Self-assessment tool
- Changing your behaviour
- Stories from people they’ve helped
Their website also has a Recovery Toolkit with things you can do on your own, such as internet blocking software, ways to ask businesses to exclude you from gambling, money management tools, plus Workbooks and self-guided resources.
GamCare also has a dedicated Women’s Pathway, as women can be disproportionately affected by gambling – not only their own, but other people in their lives. This includes Way Forward – a free online support group for women affected by another person’s gambling.
GamCare has an outreach and training programme where they can speak to your group or organisation about problem gambling. They offer training for professionals who have clients or service users who many be affected by gambling to increase your knowledge, skills and confidence to discuss and support individuals experiencing gambling-related harm, including how to identify gambling harms, the services that are available, and how to make a referral. Email Magda at [email protected] to book.
Visit their website for more information.
All of GamCare’s services and training are free of charge.
Visit GamCare’s Youtube channel to watch people talk about how they have dealt with gambling problems, what help is available, facts about gambling, and more.
Here’s an introduction to their GamStop course: