Worried about gambling? Help and support is available in Leeds.
Gambling is a common feature for many people in the UK, with up to half of adults estimated to gamble each year. The most popular form of gambling is lotteries, and the most common reason for gambling includes the chance to win big money.
Gambling can include betting, playing bingo, slot machines, fixed-odds betting terminals, and lotteries. Most gambling activities can take place in person or online.
Understanding the role gambling plays in your life or the life of a loved one can be the first step in making changes to tackle the harm it causes. It is unlikely that there will be a single answer, and a combination of strategies may be needed to make lasting changes.
Harms can come in various forms, including financial, relationship harms, mental and physical health, employment and education, criminal and anti-social behaviour, cultural and harms within gaming. You or someone you know may be experiencing a number of these harms.
Gambling harms often extend beyond the person that gambles. 1 in 12 people are either directly or indirectly currently experiencing gambling harms, this may include family members, children, friends or colleagues.
In Leeds there are services available to offer advice, guidance and support to anyone impacted by gambling harms as well as national charities offering self-help tools. There are also local peer support groups that can support people in recovery from gambling, at whatever stage in their recovery journey they are at.
However, gambling has the potential to harm any one, at any time.
Gambling harms can be varied and may include financial harms and relationship harms. Gambling can also impact mental and physical health, employment and education, criminal activity and anti-social behaviour.
You or someone you know may be experiencing a number of these harms.
Support is available for anyone who is affected by gambling.
The NHS Northern Gambling Service provides specialist addiction therapy and recovery to people affected by gambling addiction, as well as those with mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and suicidal feelings. The service also provides support to people close to those with gambling addiction, such as family, partners, and carers.
0300 300 1490
referral.ngs@nhs.net
GamCare Yorkshire and Humber offer a range of free and confidential support options to individuals across West and South Yorkshire. Support is currently offered over the phone, or via Zoom or Microsoft Teams. They can support you if you are a gambler, or if you are affected by the gambling behaviour of a family member or friend.
0808 8020 133 (Available 24 hours, 7 days a week)
YandH@gamcare.org.uk
Citizens Advice Leeds offer telephone and digital help and advice on a range of subjects including benefits, debt, employment and housing. Staff have had training around gambling-related harms and can signpost to gambling treatment services.
0808 278 7878
NECA provides free and confidential support for people aged 16+ experiencing gambling-related harm, as well as those affected by someone else’s gambling, including partners, family members and friends.
Support is available on a one-to-one basis and can be delivered in person, online or by telephone. Online group support is also available.
Access the referral form or contact the Yorkshire and Humber team below.
Contact
Tel: 01423 740 723 (Monday – Friday: 9am – 4:30pm)
Email: gambling.yorkshire-humber@neca.co.uk
Referral form: https://neca.co.uk/referral/
GamFam is a registered charity set up by people with lived experience of gambling harm, whether through their own gambling or the gambling of someone close to them. They have a peer support programme that is primarily aimed at those impacted by the gambling of someone close to them, but they can also support those in recovery from gambling harms too. Both professional and self-referrals can be made.
Gambling with Lives are a charity set up by families bereaved by gambling that provide support, raise awareness of the impact of gambling disorders, and campaign for change. They also deliver an education programme in schools and colleges across England, including Leeds.
MindMate Leeds is the name for all the different ways children and young people in the city can get support with their mental health and wellbeing in Leeds. They have two pages with an overview of support for children and young people aged 17 and under and 18 and over.
The National Centre for Gaming Disorders is a multi-disciplinary clinic in the UK that provides treatment for people in England, aged 13 years and over, who have difficulty controlling their video game use and the impact it has on their lives. They also offer parents, guardians and family members support alongside the person gaming. For details on current referral pathways, visit their website.
NECA provides free and confidential support for people aged 16+ experiencing gambling-related harm, as well as those affected by someone else’s gambling, including partners, family members and friends.
Support is available on a one-to-one basis and can be delivered in person, online or by telephone. Online group support is also available.
Access the referral form or contact the Yorkshire and Humber team below.
Contact
Tel: 01423 740 723 (Monday – Friday: 9am – 4:30pm)
Email: gambling.yorkshire-humber@neca.co.uk
Referral form: https://neca.co.uk/referral/
GAMSTOP is a free, online self-exclusion tool that helps you control your online gambling. Once registered you will be prevented from using gambling websites and apps run by companies licensed in Great Britain, for a period of your choosing.
The GamCare recovery toolkit offers a range of practical tools and resources to help people experiencing gambling-related harms.
Gamblers Anonymous is a peer-support network for people with lived experience of gambling that come together to support one another.
This multi-operator self-exclusion scheme allows individuals to self-exclude from one or more bookmakers by calling their phoneline and requesting this.
Self exclusion - Multi-operator self-exclusion scheme
0800 294 2060