Gambling harms charity GambleAware has reported a 50% increase in self-referrals to its network of regional support providers since April 2023.
Problem gamblers have accessed the providers via the GambleAware-commissioned National Gambling Support Network (NGSN), which offers varying levels of support.
The latest figures from the charity also revealed that over 110,000 people have accessed some level of support from the NGSN since its foundation in April 2023. Brief interventions, typically a short conversation on how to reduce the risk of gambling harm, also saw a 93% increase.
Anna Hargrave, Deputy Chief Executive of GambleAware, commented: “The second year of the National Gambling Support Network presented an opportunity to take the learnings from year one and focus on how we can best support those affected by gambling harms.
“We’ve seen an increase in the number of people being supported and, importantly, an increase in brief interventions and self-referrals, which means we can support people earlier and reduce the potential for further harm.”
Early intervention
The NGSN provides three levels of support, tiers two to four, to those seeking help.
Tier two involves early intervention and support, such as brief interventions and extended brief interventions. Tier three support involves more intensive treatments such as one-to-one and group treatment, as well as cognitive behavioural therapy.
The highest tier involves the most intensive level of care, which includes stays at a residential treatment centre.
GambleAware noted a significant rise in early support, such as brief interventions and use of the charity’s service finder, from 11,000 to over 21,000 people.
The average waiting time for a first-time assessment across the network is now two days.
The NGSN is available across England, Scotland and Wales to anyone who is experiencing harm from gambling or has seen it exhibited by others.
GambleAware defends legacy
Earlier this week, GambleAware’s CEO, Zoe Osmond, hit back at “unsubstantiated claims” about the charity’s record in tackling gambling harms and its independence from the gambling sector.
In response to the “oral evidence hearings on gambling harms” of the Health and Social Care Select Committee, Osmond said that experts had presented: “Ill-informed statements about the independence of third sector services are highly concerning as they ultimately impact service users, risking them turning away from services or not seeking support when they need it.”
The funding of gambling harm treatment and prevention has changed recently, as operators are now required to contribute to a statutory levy with contributions linked to gross gambling yield.
In addition, the NHS and the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) will now oversee treatment and prevention.
On the changes, Hargrave said: “The expertise within the Network is unrivalled and providers play a key role in helping people across the country, whether that be at the start of their journey, or supporting them at the end.
“We look forward to working with the future commissioners and the NGSN with the integration of the network into the future system to ensure providers can continue offering their crucial services.”
