As of today, October 1st, the National Gambling HelpLine, which is funded by the largest UK gambling charity organisation GambleAware and run by GamCare, is extending its working hours. It is to become operational on a 24-hours a day basis and anyone who needs help to deal with their harmful gambling habits would be able to reach the Helpline via webchat or on the service’s free telephone line.
Information, advice and support will be provided on the HelpLine around the clock to everyone suffering from gambling-related harm, regardless if they are gamblers themselves or the harm has occurred as a result of someone else’s gambling.
When you feel ready to talk, we have a wide range of options available to help you.
The National Gambling Helpline is now available 24-hours a day. You can fund out more and about our other services by visiting our website >> https://t.co/xBjlegL2UX ^BG#Gambling #Support pic.twitter.com/9MtFvCnSLC— GamCare (@GamCare) October 1, 2019
The National Gambling HelpLine reported that it received more than 30,000 calls in 2018/19, and this figure seems to be rising every year. On the other hand, the national gambling regulatory body – the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) – estimates there are currently about 340,000 gambling addicts nationwide, with up to 2 million people who are considered to be put at risk of becoming problem gamblers.
Currently, British people have a large number of gambling options at their disposal 24/7, and according to experts, people experiencing gambling issues may feel the most isolated throughout the night, so it would be good if there is someone who they could talk to whenever they need to. This has been exactly the reason why the National Gambling HelpLine is extending its working hours and will now provide expert support 24 hours a day, every day of the year, to everyone who needs it.
National Gambling HelpLine Remains a Centrepiece of National Gambling Treatment Service
GamCare Advisers will be now available to respond to caller’s needs day and night, with them listening to and exploring the issues faced by these people. Advisers can provide support by the phone, online, or in case people want them to, they can help them get in touch with local treatment and support services.
As explained by the Chief Executive Officer of GamCare, Anna Hemmings, treatment and support services reflect the availability of gambling. Considering the fact that gambling services are available to local people 24/7, gamblers should be able to reach trained GamCare advisers whenever they need to to get immediate support, advice and referral to the existing network of nationwide treatment options.
The Executive Director of the UKGC, Tim Miller, welcomed the extended hours of the National Gambling Helpline.
The head of GambleAware, Marc Etches, also shared his satisfaction with the extended availability of the service and confirmed that keeping people safe and providing gamblers with easily accessible professional support services remains a paramount priority for the gambling charity organisation. Mr Etches also reminded that the National Gambling HelpLine is a crucial element of the emerging National Gambling Treatment Service that aims to help as many problem gamblers and other people affected by someone’s gambling addiction as possible.
- Author
Daniel Williams
