GambleAware announces new £14m 3-year funding arrangement with GamCare
GambleAware has announced that it has reached a new agreement with GamCare, covering the period 2018-2021, to fund the National Gambling Helpline and a national network of treatment services for adults experiencing gambling-related harms.
GambleAware has awarded GamCare a 20% increase in annual funding in the form of a grant totalling £14m over three years. This money will fund the delivery of the National Gambling Helpline, provide a national network of talking therapies, and provide remote access help for those who prefer online support. This funding agreement will enable GamCare to continue to develop its delivery capabilities, efficiency and effectiveness of treatment across a broad range of interventions.
As a commissioner, GambleAware works to ensure safe, effective treatment which is tailored to the needs of individuals and which is cost effective. The substantial increase in funding for GamCare signals GambleAware’s determination to increase capacity in the treatment sector and to provide the resources to drive up standards.
In addition, GambleAware intends to commission new aftercare services to prevent relapse, as well as services that offer help for the families of problem gamblers, including bereavement counselling.
With an estimated 430,000 people already gambling problematically, approximately 2 million at risk of developing gambling problems, and many family and friends also suffering the impact, gambling-related harms represent a significant public health issue.
There is a need for a broad range of organisations to work collaboratively to develop additional services to help support people with more complex needs and to integrate problem gambling treatment better with NHS mental health services.
GambleAware welcomes the Department of Health recently asking Public Health England to inform and support action on gambling-related harms.