GamCare to run gambling helpline 24/7
UK gambling-related harm treatment line becomes all year-round resource under new pilot
The National Gambling Helpline will operate 24 hours a day with effect from 1 October, GamCare has confirmed.
The service, which consists of both a live chat and a freephone channel, aims to provide advice, information and support to those experiencing gambling-related harm. The service will be available 24-hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.
It will initially run for a two-year pilot period to allow for ample time to assess call volume and evaluate the service.
GamCare said the decision to switch to a 24-hour service was primarily down to the availability of gambling activities beyond conventional working hours.
The extension, which forms part of the National Gambling Treatment Service, will be funded by GambleAware and will continue to be operated by GamCare.
As part of the switch to a 24-hour service, GamCare has hired nine extra staff to cover the extended hours. GambleAware has also provided funding so that GamCare can have extra staff during the day to cope with a rise in call volume and duration during daytime hours.
Calls to the National Gambling Helpline have steadily increased since 2013
Anna Hemmings, GamCare CEO, said it was important treatment and support for people experiencing gambling related harm reflected the increased availability of gambling.
“With the 24-hour nature of gambling, people sometimes feel at their most isolated overnight, when other support services are closed.
“They will now be able to reach our highly trained advisers 24 hours a day, who can offer immediate support, advice and referral to our network of treatment services nationally,” Hemmings added.
According to figures provided by GamCare the helpline has received over 30,000 calls over the last year.
Tim Miller, executive director at the Gambling Commission, called the move a “very welcome” step, particularly as part of its inclusion in the national strategy for the prevention of gambling-related harms.
“GamCare’s specialist advisers are now there if people need support at any hour of the day. This change arose out of the input of people with lived experience into research and demonstrates why that continued input is vital,” Miller added.