GamCare’s new Young People’s Service provides dedicated support for young people who are experiencing gambling-related harm.
Around 55,000 young people aged 11-16 are already thought to be affected by gambling harms across England, Scotland and Wales, and more could be at risk of harm according to research via the Gambling Commission (2019). Harms associated with gambling can include impacts on both physical and mental health, as well as a variety of impacts on family members and friends which extend far beyond financial concerns. For young people who are affected, this would mean a detrimental impact on their education, their home life, and beyond.
At GamCare, our aim is to ensure that everyone who may be affected by gambling harms can access age appropriate support whether they are concerned about themselves or a loved one. For young people ages 11 – 18, we are introducing new support options as part of our national Young People’s Service.
A team of dedicated practitioners has been introduced who can provide safe and effective support for young people under 18.
The National Gambling Helpline is available to young people, as well as parents, carers and others who may be concerned about a young person’s gambling, on Freephone 0808 802 0133 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Young people can also live chat with a GamCare Adviser around the clock via www.BigDeal.org.uk
GamCare practitioners also recognise that young people may want support in other areas of their lives which may also help to reduce gambling harms, and our team will ensure that each young person is given the information most relevant to them. Structured support will be tailored to their needs, and our service will work with young people in the way that works best for them.
Our service is flexible; we offer information, advice and guidance, Brief Interventions, and self-help tools, as well as structured interventions tailored to each young person’s needs. We will ensure every young person worried about gambling is listened to and fully supported.
Our team will be able to work alongside any other support agencies supporting each young person.
This support service is an integral part of our wider National Gambling Education and Harm Prevention Programme, working in partnership with YGAM. Young people, parents and carers can also access information, advice and support via our dedicated website at www.BigDeal.org.uk
We accept referrals from professionals supporting young people, parents/carers, partner providers, and self-referrals from young people. Anyone who would like to contact the service can get in touch via: YoungPeopleService@gamcare.org.uk or 0203 902 6964.
The National Gambling Helpline is also available for anyone concerned about gambling and our Advisers are fully trained to support young people.
We are available 24 hours a day via Freephone 0808 802 0133 or via live chat (via www.BigDeal.org.uk or www.GamCare.org.uk).
A brief referral form is also available at www.gamcare.org.uk/get-support/our-treatment-offer/young-peoples-support-service/
