New figures have been released from the National Gambling Support Network, formerly known as ‘The National Gambling Treatment Service,’ relating to people seeking treatment for gambling harms.
The National Gambling Support Network is commissioned by GambleAware and consists of 11 different organisations across Great Britain.
Data shows that on average between October and December 2023, people seeking support for issues with gambling were offered a treatment session with a trained professional in three and a half days according to the Network.
Likewise, the data also highlights that the organisations in the Network contacted those seeking treatment in just 1.3 days on average for the last three months of 2023.
Calls and online chats to the National Gambling Support Network reached 4,816 during January 2024, which was higher than any other previous month on record, the sixth time the record has been broken since the start of 2023.
Since April of last year, over 28,000 people have been supported via brief interventions, which consists of conversations of 20 minutes or more.
GambleAware Chief Commissioning Officer Anna Hargrave said: “The GambleAware commissioned National Gambling Support Network is designed to prevent the escalation of harms associated with gambling. The Network provides people with easy access to treatment and support wherever they are across Great Britain.
“It is heartening to hear the positive impact the services have on people’s lives and the difference they make. These essential third-sector providers play a vital role for people across the country, and we look forward to continuing to share this expertise and experience alongside the NHS under the new system once a levy is introduced.”
Gambling Minister Stuart Andrew added: “Being able to speak to someone if you're struggling with gambling is a vital tool in curbing gambling harms. The increase in calls to the National Gambling Helpline shows the importance of getting the right help in place for those who may be suffering.
"That's why in our white paper published last year we introduced a range of measures to prevent harms before they occur, including stake limits for online slot games and financial risk checks, as well as a levy on gambling companies to increase funding for research, prevention and treatment of gambling harms."
Last week, GambleAware reported that over 100,000 people had used its self-assessment tool during its first full year of use.
