Preventing gambling harm across Berkshire and North Hampshire
The South East Gambling Harms Prevention Programme is a partnership of eight Citizens Advice services across Berkshire and North Hampshire.
Who We Are
What We Do
Raising awareness of gambling harms through education, training, and community engagement, equipping individuals and organisations with the knowledge, confidence, and tools to identify and address gambling-related issues.
Why it Matters
By raising awareness of gambling harm, we help people access support earlier while building informed, resilient communities better equipped to prevent and respond to gambling-related issues.
Who we focus on
We will work with anyone in the community, but we have a focus on:
Young people are especially vulnerable to gambling-related harm, often viewing gambling as a fun social activity while overlooking its risks. Family exposure can reinforce positive perceptions through rewards linked to wins, while social media influencers frequently normalise gambling. Research shows 3.4% of 11 to 17-year-olds are at risk of harm, and nearly 30% gamble with their own money.
Military culture often normalises risk-taking, making gambling’s uncertainty and excitement feel familiar. Veterans may gamble to cope with trauma, mental health challenges, or service-related injuries. Difficulties transitioning to civilian life, including isolation, boredom, and loss of identity, can increase risk, while easy access to online gambling further amplifies harmful behaviours.
Although gambling-related harm is less common in some minority ethnic communities, its impact can be more severe. Strong family and social networks may deter help-seeking due to stigma and confidentiality concerns. Social disadvantage and discrimination can increase gambling as a coping mechanism, while gambling venues are often concentrated in deprived areas, increasing exposure and risk
Affected others can experience significant emotional, financial, and relationship harm. More than half report stress, anxiety, and emotional distress, often linked to secrecy, broken trust, and hidden debts. Families may face financial hardship, isolation, and health problems, while research shows they are also at greater risk of developing gambling-related harms themselves.
Training for health and wellbeing professionals, community groups and organisations
Professional Training
Build confidence to identify gambling-related harm, have supportive conversations, and make appropriate referrals. Practical training covering the impact of gambling on wellbeing, finances, housing, relationships, and more.
Awareness Sessions
Short, focused sessions tailored for you. Explore topics including mobile gambling, cryptocurrency, esports, gaming, and emerging gambling-related harms, alongside clear guidance on support and signposting.
Workshops
Interactive workshops for community groups and organisations looking to deepen their understanding of gambling-related harms and strengthen the support they provide.
Bespoke Training
Tailored training designed around your goals, whether workforce development, service delivery, or compliance requirements. Practical, relevant, and built for your organisation.
Are you or someone you know struggling with gambling?
Practical tools and support services to help people reduce or stop gambling — and to support those affected by someone else's gambling.
Immediate gambling support
National Gambling Helpline — GamCare
Free, confidential information, advice and support for anyone affected by gambling harm. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
How to access: Call 0808 8020 133 · WhatsApp 0808 8020 133 · Email help@gamcare.org.uk · Live chat gamcare.org.uk
Treatment
Southern Gambling Service
Specialist NHS assessment and treatment for gambling-related harm in England, including psychological support and help with complex needs. Support is also available for affected family members and others.
How to access: hiowhealthcare.nhs.uk/our-services/a-z-list-of-services/gambling-service/southern-gambling-service-patient-referral-formPrimary Care Gambling Service
The Primary Care Gambling Service (PCGS) is a free and confidential NHS service for adults over 18 who experience gambling-related harms. The service also provides support with physical, social, and mental health problems.
How to access: primarycaregamblingservice.co.uk/pcgs-registration-formGamCare South
They offer free, flexible and confidential support and treatment. In-person or remotely, for anyone affected by gambling across the South East.
How to access: Call 0808 8020 133 · gamcare.org.uk/get-support/find-local-support/south/#formGordon Moody
Specialist treatment for people experiencing significant gambling-related harm, including intensive residential and retreat-based programmes.
How to access: gordonmoody.org.ukBetknowmore UK
Lived-experience-led gambling harm support and peer support, helping people with recovery and connecting them with appropriate services.
How to access: betknowmoreuk.orgBlocking and self-exclusion tools
BetBlocker
Free gambling-blocking software provided by a registered charity. Restricts access to gambling websites and apps across multiple devices, can be used anonymously without registration, and includes self-restriction and calendaring options.
How to access: Free to use — betblocker.org · Support: support@betblocker.orgGAMSTOP Online
Free national online self-exclusion for gambling websites and apps operated by companies licensed in Great Britain. Exclusion options include 6 months, 1 year, 5 years and 5 years with auto-renewal.
How to access: Register gamstop.co.uk · Helpdesk 0800 138 6518 (10am–8pm, 7 days) · Email helpdesk@gamstop.co.uk · Webchat gamstop.co.ukBank gambling blocks
Many banks and building societies allow customers to block gambling transactions on cards or accounts, adding a financial barrier to gambling.
How to access: Check your banking app or contact your bank/building society and ask about a gambling transaction block.
Land-based self-exclusion
Self-exclusion schemes are available for physical gambling venues such as betting shops, casinos, bingo venues and arcades.
How to access: info.gamstop.co.uk · Betting-shop multi-operator self-exclusion: self-exclusion.co.uk
Gamban
Gambling-blocking software that blocks gambling websites and apps across phones, tablets and computers, including many unlicensed/offshore sites and high-risk speculative trading platforms. One licence can cover multiple devices.
How to access: gamban.com · 7-day free trial. Subscription-based in England and Scotland; free access remains available in Wales. Support: info@gamban.comPeer and recovery support
Gamblers Anonymous UK
Peer-led recovery fellowship for people who want to stop gambling. Offers meetings, a forum, chatroom and recovery literature.
Local Meetings:
Monday – Andover
Purple Oak Support, 3 Winchester Road, Andover SP10 2EG.Phone: 0782 690 7078
Email: andoverga@yahoo.com Wheelchair Access: Yes
Monday 19:00pm – 21:00pm
Monday – Reading
Kennet Valley Free Church, Carters Rise, Reading, RG31 7YT.Phone: 0773 071 8369
Email: s.info@gamblersanonymous.org.uk. Wheelchair Access: Yes
Monday 19:30pm – 21:30pm
Tuesday – Maidenhead
Maidenhead United Reformed Church, West Street, Maidenhead, SL6 1RL.
Phone: 0330 094 0322
Email: ga.maidenhead@gmail.com. Wheelchair Access: No
Tuesday 19:00pm – 21:00pm
Thursday – Reading
Kennet Valley Free Church, Carters Rise, Reading, RG31 7YT.Phone: 0773 071 8369
Email: s.info@gamblersanonymous.org.uk Wheelchair Access: Yes.
Thursday 20:00pm – 22:00pm
GamCare Online Community
Peer support through online forums and daily chatrooms for people affected by gambling harm.
How to access: gamcare.org.uk/get-support/MyGamCare and self-guided recovery
Digital and self-guided resources to help people understand their gambling behaviours, triggers and progress towards change.
How to access: gamcare.org.ukGamLEARN
Lived-experience-led recovery community and support, including connections to wider gambling harm treatment and recovery services.
How to access: gamlearn.org.ukSupport for families and affected others
Gam-Anon
Peer support for partners, relatives and friends affected by another person's gambling.
How to access: gamanon.org.uk
GamFam
Lived-experience support for families and affected others, helping people understand gambling harm and protect their own wellbeing.
How to access: gamfam.org.uk
GamCare support for affected others
The National Gambling Helpline and GamCare support services are available to people affected by someone else's gambling, not only the person who gambles.
How to access: Call 0808 8020 133 · WhatsApp 0808 8020 133 · Email help@gamcare.org.uk · Online gamcare.org.uk
Young people
NHS specialist gambling support for young people
NHS gambling treatment services include specialist support for young people in England where appropriate.
How to access: nhs.uk/live-well/addiction-support/gambling-addiction/
YGAM — Find Help
Information and signposting for young people, parents and professionals, including gambling, gaming, mental health and practical support.
How to access: ygam.org/find-help/
Childline
Free confidential support for children and young people under 19 who are worried about gambling, family problems or their emotional wellbeing.
How to access: Call 0800 1111 · childline.org.uk
Money and debt support
Citizens Advice
Free, confidential and independent advice about debt, benefits, housing and other financial problems. Advisers can help someone understand their options and address the wider financial impact of gambling.
How to access: citizensadvice.org.uk
StepChange Debt Charity
Free specialist debt advice, budgeting support and debt solutions.
How to access: Call 0800 138 1111 · stepchange.org
National Debtline
Free, independent and confidential debt advice by telephone and online.
How to access: Call 0808 808 4000 · nationaldebtline.org
MoneyHelper
Free government-backed guidance on money, budgeting, debt and financial options.
How to access: moneyhelper.org.uk
Mental health and crisis support
Mind in Berkshire
We provide compassionate and free mental health support for people living in Berkshire.
Mind Andover
Although we are called Andover Mind, we actually provide services right across mid and north Hampshire, supporting people with mental ill health in Andover, Basingstoke and Aldershot and the wider community. 1 in 4 of us will experience a mental health problem every year. We are here so you don’t have to face it alone.
How to access: andovermind.org.uk/contact/Samaritans
Free emotional support for anyone struggling to cope or experiencing suicidal thoughts. Available 24 hours a day.
How to access: Call 116 123 · samaritans.org
Shout
Free, confidential 24/7 crisis support by text.
How to access: Text SHOUT to 85258 · giveusashout.org
Urgent NHS mental health support
Urgent mental health help is available through NHS services.
How to access: nhs.uk (NHS urgent mental health guidance) · If there is immediate danger to life, call 999 or go to A&E.
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