TalkBanStop combines practical free tools and support meant to aid people that seek to stop their own gambling behaviour – or that of others.
The pilot (which was planned for an initial 12 months) offers gamblers direct support via GamCare’s trained advisers, free access to Gamban software that can be installed on multiple devices to control or block gambling platforms, and free registration for the self-exclusion scheme, Gamstop.
After an evaluation of the program, Ipsos Mori indicated that people who used all three layers of support offered by TalkBanStop have reported lower interest in gambling, and a decrease in gambling-related harms.
The market research company mentioned the importance of the positive state of mind the program’s approach gave people looking to stop gambling.
Anna Hemmings, Chief Executive at GamCare, commented: “Since the TalkBanStop campaign started there has been huge value in the collaboration of the three partners, all of which have a shared aspiration in reducing gambling harms.
"What we’ve seen through the pilot is the ability to share best-practice with one another and provide the tools and support to make it as easy as possible for people to get help in one place.
“We believe the impact of our interventions, layered together, amplifies the effects of the others for the individual in recovery, just as our coming together as organisations have multiplied our efforts to achieve greater impact. Going forward, we want TalkBanStop to become normalised as the first port of call for anyone looking to stop or control their gambling.”
