The new service is open to anybody in the two regions that have experienced gambling-related difficulties, according to GamCare.
The safer gambling support company will give people from Leeds, Lincolnshire, Peterborough, Nottingham, Derby, Leicester and Northampton one-to-one sessions if they need them – and have reminded others suffering outside of those areas that the National Gambling Helpline is open 24/7.
GamCare will help people manage their finances and recognise spending triggers through its service, while it is also open to those affected by another person’s gambling issues.
Bryn Mostyn, Team Leader at the Leeds Community Gambling Service, said: “With a cost-of-living crisis impacting households across the Leeds region – especially off the back of a World Cup, a challenging Christmas period and almost five weeks since payday – we know many people may turn to gambling and end up in a worse situation.”
Meanwhile, Nicola O’Neill, Service Manager of the East Midlands at GamCare, added: “With one in seven people who called the National Gambling Helpline last year doing so due to someone else’s gambling, it’s important that there are services available to support others who are affected.
“Understanding the financial implications of someone else’s gambling is vital to helping these people in their longer-term recovery. We hope the Money Guidance Service is a way to help people who have been negatively impacted by someone else’s gambling, not just the gambler themselves and help improve their situation.”
