The National Gambling Support Network (NGSN) is entering 2025 with the addition of valuable lived experience led recovery support to complement the existing services that play a vital role in supporting people experiencing gambling harm. 

Through its confidential service, the NGSN is looking to reach more people affected by gambling harms having revealed in November that almost 11,000 individuals were supported between April 2023 and March 2024. This marked an increase of 12 percent in the number of people treated for gambling harms from the previous year. 

The addition of charities EPIC Restart Foundation and Reframe Coaching, who both offer lived experience services across Great Britain, will bring additional knowledge and expertise to help support more people suffering from gambling harms. 

The NGSN continues to build on its existing services, with the network now made up of 13 providers that cover the length and breadth of the country, offering crucial support to those that need it most. 

The addition of the new providers compliments existing aftercare services and will strengthen the collective approach to recovery, leading to a more well-rounded network in terms of the support on offer.     

• EPIC Restart Foundation helps people rebuild their lives after experiencing gambling harm. Their programmes are shaped and delivered by a team with lived experience of gambling harm. This personal insight means they not only understand the challenges people face but also help reduce the stigma around gambling harm by encouraging open conversations and raising awareness. 
• Reframe Coaching, founded in 2020 by Steve and Rashael Girling, will provide remote Recovery Coaching services to individuals impacted by gambling. The organisation helps individuals cultivate greater understanding and awareness of their present circumstances, while supporting them in achieving their personal goals. 

Anna Hargrave, GambleAware Deputy CEO and Chief Commissioning & Strategy Officer, said: “The GambleAware commissioned National Gambling Support Network continues to be a staple within local communities across the country and is recognised for the vital support it offers to those affected by gambling harms across Great Britain. 

“It has always been the intention for the NGSN to expand and build on the services it offers since it was commissioned almost two years ago, and EPIC Restart Foundation and Reframe Coaching continue that expansion and add valuable experience and expertise to the network. 

“Gambling harms can affect anyone, and it is vital that there is a service for everyone that needs support, regardless of whether they are at the start, or nearing the end, of their journey to recovery.”

Richie Paxton, EPIC Restart Foundation Interim CEO and Head of Programmes, said: “We’re excited to join the National Gambling Support Network and continue to work with other providers to offer a seamless and supportive recovery path to those experiencing gambling harm.  

“At EPIC Restart, we are dedicated to offering compassionate guidance and coaching, grounded in lived experience. Our mission is not only to help individuals navigate their recovery, but also to empower them to rebuild their lives with renewed hope and a brighter future.” 

Rashael Girling, Co-Founder of Reframe Coaching, said: “Steve and I are delighted that Reframe Coaching has joined the National Gambling Support Network. When we set up the Charity in 2020 our aim was to be able to provide ongoing Recovery support to ‘anyone’ who has been affected by gambling.

“As a Lived Experience Recovery Organisation, all of our support is carried out by trained Recovery Coaches who also have lived experience of gambling harms.  This means that for those accessing our support, they know they will be speaking to someone who has been there and understands. 

“We look forward to working alongside the members of the NGSN to help provide a recovery focus, that compliments the treatment that is currently available.”

Following the publication of the Gambling White Paper last year, GambleAware has called on the Government to ensure the expertise within the NGSN and wider third sector is recognised and protected within the future gambling harm treatment system. This includes ensuring organisations with a long-term recovery focus are factored into future funding plans. 

Anyone concerned about how gambling makes them feel can visit gambleaware.org for advice, tools and support, or call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 . 

ENDS  

Notes to editors  

For enquiries about this news item please contact GambleAware NGSN Press Manager Kieran Theivamanoharan on Kieran.theivamanoharan@gambleaware.org or call 07729 120221.  

About the National Gambling Support Network 

The National Gambling Support Network (NGSN) is a network of organisations across the UK. They provide free, non-judgmental, confidential treatment, advice and support on a range of gambling related issues. They support people who are experiencing gambling harms, as well as those affected by someone else’s gambling.   

About GambleAware  

GambleAware is the leading independent charity and strategic commissioner of gambling harm education, prevention, early intervention, and treatment across Great Britain (Charity No. England & Wales 1093910, Scotland SC049433).    

GambleAware commissions the National Gambling Support Network (NGSN), a group of organisations across Great Britain which provides free, confidential treatment, as well as the National Gambling Helpline which takes around 52,000 calls and online chats a year. Our prevention programmes are major behaviour change campaigns, education and training programmes, and our website offers support advice and tools for those experiencing gambling harm.

As an independent charity, GambleAware has a robust system of governance processes in place, is accountable to the Charity Commission, and works to hold the gambling industry to account. The gambling industry has no input, no ability to influence any of our outputs nor authority over any of our activities.

Gambling harms can affect anyone, and not just those who gamble, but also their families and communities. These harms particularly affect communities that already face inequality.