Zona de Azar UK – Gambleaware Commits a Further £3.9m Funding Towards Problem Gambling Treatment

UK.- May 15th 2019 www.zonadeazar.com Industry charity GambleAware has confirmed that it will be fronting an additional £3.9m in funding towards the expansion of the National Gambling Treatment Service.

The funding, which is set to continue for up to three years, will be provided to GamCare and its network of partners across Great Britain.

£2.35m of the funding will be allocated to expanding the provision of face-to-face treatment services in England, Scotland and Wales, while £705,000 will be distributed towards helping the National Gambling Helpline provide both advice and brief interventions to a wider range of people across the UK.

£435,000 will go towards enabling people to have access to computerised Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (cCBT) where this is clinically appropriate, and the remaining £438,000 will be delivered to develop peer support so that people who are recovering from gambling addiction can help others to access treatment and aftercare

Marc Etches, Chief Executive of GambleAware, commented: “Today’s announcement reflects a commitment by GambleAware to take a strategic approach to commissioning treatment services, to give people the help that they need to tackle the hidden addiction of problem gambling, and to improve the quality of life for them and their families.

“This significant expansion of the existing National Gambling Treatment Service demonstrates the shared commitment between GambleAware and GamCare, as commissioner and prime provider respectively, to make a real difference to people’s lives, by reducing barriers to treatment and increasing the capacity in the treatment system.”

GambleAware and GamCare have been having discussions regarding the further development of problem gambling prevention services.

Anna Hemmings, Chief Executive of GamCare, added: “GamCare is delighted to have developed a collaborative approach with GambleAware to support the expansion of the National Gambling Treatment Service. This funding will mean we can introduce broader accessibility, availability and choice for those harmed by gambling.

“With it, we will be able to reach larger numbers of people in more locations nationally, offering a wider range of services including both online and peer support alongside our existing treatment provision.

“GamCare and its network of regional partners provide services which significantly improve the quality of life of those harmed by gambling, and we will continue to develop our services to ensure that they can grow sustainably and offer the right support at the right time to as many people as possible.”

The range of initiatives being announced today will be funded immediately, which are set to supplement further developments which have already been announced by the two parties.

Edited by: Zona de Azar Press www.zonadeazar.com