GambleAware Charity To Invest £3.9M To Fight Gambling Addictions
GambleAware has announced that it will be investing an additional £3.9 million to support the fight against problem gambling.
The charity, which is also known as BeGambleAware, funds the research, prevention and treatment of gambling addictions and has pledged to donate more money over the next three years to support the National Gambling Treatment Service’s expansion.
According to reports, GambleAware’s £3.9 million will allow the National Gambling Helpline to provide advice and run brief interventions to more people while also providing more addicts access to computerised Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
In addition, the money will also go towards peer support so recovering addicts can help others. Lastly, a large sum of the money, around £2.35 million, will help expand face-to-face treatment services across the United Kingdom.
What They Say
Marc Etches, the Chief Executive of GambleAware, said in a statement: “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.”
He added: “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.”
Anna Hemmings, the Chief Executive of GamCare, stated: “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.”
She added: “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.”