Following last week’s theme , “When the fun stops”, focusing on Paul Merson and thousands of others whose lives have been ruined by gambling, Heather has sent this very helpful summary of sources of help for addicts and their families.
One of these is GamCare (www.gamcare.org.uk). They are part of The National Gambling Treatment Service, a network of organisations working together to provide confidential treatment and support for anyone experiencing gambling-related harms, free to access across England Scotland and Wales.
GamCare have different support options including, phone line, live chat feature and forums where individuals can find support and explore the situation they find themselves in. They also have a Toolkit section with different resources to help individuals help themselves with links to Gamban (www.gamban.com) and Gamstop (www.gamstop.co.uk) where apps and betting features can be blocked or self-excluded for a set period of time.
Finally, ‘Don’t bet your life on it’ (www.dontbetyourlifeonit.co.uk) helps individuals and family understand the emotions that a gambler experiences with helpful advice, devised by the Bristol charity Ara – Addiction Recovery Agency.
Gamblers Anonymous have a Sunday and Wednesday group that meet in Gorse Hill. (www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk)