Gambling harms

Gambling can easily become part of everyday life. At times, it can begin to feel difficult to manage or avoid. You might notice it taking up more of your time, thoughts, or energy than you intended. When this happens, it can start to affect different areas of your life.

Gambling-related harm is not only about money. It can also impact your mental health, relationships, work, and overall wellbeing. These experiences can happen gradually and may not always be easy to recognise at first.

Being aware of the risks, noticing changes in how you feel or behave, and feeling able to talk about gambling without fear of judgement are important steps in looking after yourself and others. If you’re concerned about your own gambling, or someone else’s, support is available, and reaching out early can make a positive difference.

Free and confidential support is available across Greater Manchester for anyone who gambles, people affected by someone else’s gambling, and those recovering from past harms - please see links below.

Over half of adults take part in some form of gambling each year. In Greater Manchester, around one in 15 residents are affected by gambling-related harm. The impact can extend beyond the individual, affecting families, friends, and communities.

Recognising possible signs of harm can help you decide when it might be helpful to seek support.

Signs that gambling may be affecting you or someone you know:

• Changes in sleep, such as difficulty sleeping or restlessness 
• Feeling anxious, stressed, or on edge 
• Losing interest in usual activities 
• Feeling irritable or sensitive to others’ opinions 
• Finding it hard to reduce or stop gambling 
• Feeling disconnected from people or everyday life 
• Difficulty focusing or being present with others 
• Low mood or feelings of depression 
• Thoughts of suicide or feeling overwhelmed 
• Frequently checking phones or devices in relation to gambling 
• Worrying about money or debt 
• Being less open about gambling, such as hiding or avoiding conversations 

Gambling harm is often described as a 'hidden' issue because it can be difficult to recognise, and many people feel unable to talk about it. However, gambling addiction and related harms are far more common than many people realise. This means that individuals experiencing harm and those supporting them are not alone. No one is at fault for being impacted. Creating a supportive understanding environment can make it easier for people to seek help when they need it.

Getting support with gambling

Here is an overview of free, confidential support services available in Greater Manchester and the wider Northwest.

Chapter One

Email: hello@chapter-one.org

Chapter One provides practical, accessible help for anyone affected by gambling harm whether it’s their own gambling or someone else’s. Support includes:

• Guidance for people worried about their gambling, helping them understand harm and access help quickly
• Support for family and friends, including advice on coping and supporting someone who is struggling
• Clear explanations of how gambling products create risk
• Stories and insights from people with lived experience to reduce stigma and isolation

NHS Northern Gambling Service

Phone: 0300 300 1490

Email: referral.ngs@nhs.net 

This NHS service offers specialist treatment for people experiencing gambling related harm, as well as support for affected family members. Their offer includes:

• Specialist treatment, including gold standard Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), delivered individually or in groups
• Holistic support addressing related issues such as mental health, debt, neurodivergence, relationship strain, or criminal justice involvement
• Compassionate, non judgemental care beginning with a full assessment and shared plan for change
• Support for families and loved ones
• Help building coping skills and accessing abstinent recovery communities

GamCare

Phone: 0808 8020 133

Email: info@gamcare.org.uk

GamCare is a leading UK charity offering free, confidential support for anyone affected by gambling harm. Services include:

• 24/7 National Gambling Helpline via phone, live chat, and WhatsApp
• Digital self help tools such as MyGamCare, mood tracking, goal setting, and self guided workbooks
• Practical guidance including blocking software, self exclusion, and money management resources
• Support for family and friends

GamFam

Phone: 0757 7622 899 

Email: info@gamfam.org.uk  

GamFam is a UK registered charity founded by people with lived experience of gambling harm. They offer:

• Peer support groups and the GRA5P recovery programme for those affected by someone else’s gambling or recovering from gambling harms
• Lived experience guidance and emotional support from trained facilitators
• Practical resources and signposting for individuals and families seeking help or community

Beacon Counselling Trust 

Phone: 0151 226 0696

Email: treatmentteam@beaconcounsellingtrust.co.uk 

Beacon Counselling Trust provides free, confidential specialist support across Greater Manchester and the Northwest for anyone over 16 affected by gambling harm. Support includes:

• Free counselling for gamblers and affected others, delivered by qualified therapists with no waiting list
• Specialist bereavement support through Paul’s Place, a free post suicide counselling service in Merseyside
• Accredited training and education programmes, including the Bet You Can Help course

The Armed Forces Gambling Support Network: Beacon Counselling Trust 

Phone: 0151 226 0696

Email: armedforces@beaconcounsellingtrust.co.uk

Led by Beacon Counselling Trust, the AFGSN is dedicated to preventing and reducing gambling related harm within the armed forces and veterans’ community. Support includes:

• Free training and awareness programmes (e.g., Bet You Can Help)
• Stigma reduction and early intervention support for service personnel, veterans, and families
• Direct pathways into professional treatment through the National Gambling Support Network