GamCare offers advice, information, counselling and information related to the treatment and prevention of gambling additions. All the support and information provided by GamCare is free. This organisation operates the National Gambling Helpline and offers ongoing treatment and support for anyone who believes their gambling habit has got out of control, as well as to the families of gamblers.
GamCare also aims to raise awareness about gambling responsibly and how the gambling industry in general can adopt an effective and proactive approach to advocating responsible gambling.
It is the mission of GamCare to support, through treatment and advice, individuals and their families who are affected by gambling addition, as well as reducing the harm of gambling through prevention, communication and education.
GamCare’s objectives include:
. Providing effective and quality advice that does not make judgement for anyone affected by problem gambling throughout the whole of the UK.
. Providing effective, quality, responsive and versatile treatment for individuals with gambling problems across the UK.
. Providing support, help and information to gambling operators and regulators in the UK related to the implementation and development of responsible gambling measure, practices and policies. This can include consultancy, training and certification.
. Leading the developing of the optimum practises in education, research and communication, and to become a Centre of Clinical Excellence that is recognised around the world.
. Providing support, education, treatment and advice to youngsters and other groups deemed to be vulnerable.
Which services do GamCare offer?
Anybody who is worried about any aspect of gambling can talk to a GamCare advisor, who will provide one-to-one and completely confidential advice, information and emotional support. Anybody wanting to talk to a GamCare advisor can call the Freephone 0808 8020 133. The National Gambling Helpline advisors will also be able to provide details about other sources that can provide specialist advice and support, including the counselling support the organisation offers.
GamCare’s advisors are all trained and are able to offer free advice and support to anybody who is worried about any element of problem gambling. The advisors are trained in offering strategies for coping to people who feel it is time to alter their behaviour related to gambling.
GamCare’s helpline services are open every day of the week from the hours of 8 in the morning until midnight.
GamCare also has chat rooms and forums designed for people with gambling problems to share with others their stories, experience and advice. Such forums also provide a new member area as a place for providing information related to Gamblers Anonymous as well as recovery diaries.
The organisation also provides counselling face-to-face from its London-based offices, and a network of regional offices through GamCare’s partner agencies. The organisation also offers gambling counselling via the internet
GamCare has a code of practice in place which comprises of protective procedures, including age referencing verification, training of staff, time facilitation and spending limits, as well as spreading information related to further sources that can provide help and support about gambling problems.
