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How the NGSN can help

Accessing the right support

With providers across England, Wales and Scotland, the NGSN can help you find local support based on your situation and support preferences.

Flexible, tailored support

You'll make a plan to suit your needs but just like any journey, that route can change. The NGSN has a wide range of services and will be there to guide you at every step.

Judgement-free support

Staff and counsellors across NGSN providers are trained in supporting people experiencing gambling harms and many have lived experience of gambling harms themselves.

How to access NGSN support

Whether you’re looking for support for yourself or for someone you care about, the National Gambling Support Network (NGSN) is here to help. You can find support from providers in your area, or you can speak to an advisor from the National Gambling Helpline who will help find the right support for you.

The Helpline offers:

  • Free and confidential support for all adults in Great Britain 
  • Trained staff, available to help anyone affected by gambling 
  • Support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via phone or live chat

"Recovery has allowed me to regain control of my life, rebuild relationships and rediscover a healthier, balanced life filled with hope and purpose" - Sam, expert by experience

5-9 days

is the average time it takes for the NGSN to start providing you treatment and support after you get in touch.

10,754

people found support and treatment through the network last year.

95%

of those who completed treatment saw improvements in the level of gambling harm they were experiencing.

Types of treatment the NGSN offers

There are lots of support options available through the NGSN. Trained staff will work with you to find the one that’s right for you, and you will not be judged or made to feel bad about your experiences.

There are national and regional providers that together cover the whole of England, Scotland and Wales. Some providers such as Betknowmore and Breakeven run services specifically for women.

Below are some of the types of support available through the NGSN.

Therapy and counselling

Therapy sessions are one of the support options available through the NGSN. These sessions might be one-to-one treatment or group sessions with a qualified practitioner. Sessions might be face-to-face or online depending on the services offered by your local providers.

Some of the NGSN providers that offer therapy support include GamCare, ARA Recovery for all and RCA.

Peer support 

You can speak to trained peer support workers who have overcome gambling harms of their own. Sessions are available in one-to-one settings or as part of a group. 

Many NGSN providers offer peer support sessions including EPIC Restart foundation and NECA.

Residential centres 

If you'd like to go to a residential centre, you'll need to check in for a period of time.

One centre is Adferiad.

Adferiad offer a range of free residential services for people experiencing more complex life challenges.

Another centre is Gordon Moody

Gordon Moody offer residential treatment and support for those affected by gambling harm, with separate facilities for men and women.

Treatment is free, but you might need to pay towards the costs of your stay. Do not let that stop you from getting in contact. Each provider can help you work through different options to get you the right support.

If you’re eligible for Housing Benefit payments, the costs might be almost entirely covered, except for a small weekly personal service charge of around £10.

Referring a patient to the NGSN

As a healthcare professional, you might have a patient or client that is struggling with their gambling. 

The NGSN can help. Our advice can help you to understand how and where you can refer patients or clients for specialist support. 

Refer a patient into gambling support services

Referring a patient to the NGSN

Common questions about the NGSN

Is support from the NGSN free?

Yes. Contacting and getting support through the NGSN is completely free. This includes the National Gambling helpline and live chat. The services recommended will be free to use, except for some additional costs for residential centres. However, funding options are available.

Are NGSN services confidential?

Yes. Any contact you make with the NGSN will be completely confidential. This includes the National Gambling helpline and live chat. Your treatment provider might ask you if they can share your information with another support service. They will only do this if you give your permission. 

I’m worried about someone else’s gambling, how can the NGSN help?

The NGSN provides support for people close to someone who gambles. You can contact them for free, confidential advice and to talk through the types of support available. 

Can I get support in other languages?

Yes. If you make a request in another language, all NGSN services will try to accommodate it. 

Is the NGSN right for me?

Learning about your risk of gambling harm can help you decide what kind of support is right for you. Our short gambling harms assessment can help you learn more about how gambling might be affecting you and offers tailored support, should you want it.

Take our self-assessment quiz

Can the NGSN help with other issues related to gambling?

If gambling is affecting your life in other ways that are not covered here, we have resources that might help. The NGSN will be able to advise you on which services will be best for you.

Find help for other issues
Is this page useful?

However you’re feeling right now, we’re here to help.

The National Gambling Support Network helps people struggling with gambling, and people who are worried about someone else’s gambling.

Call or chat online to an advisor, and speak one-to-one for confidential advice, information and support.

Delivered by GamCare

24 hours a day • 7 days a week • UK only

Find support in your area Call 0808 8020 133