NHS service for people affected by gambling addiction launches for Bristol residents

NHS service for people affected by gambling addiction launches for Bristol residents

Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (AWP) has launched the South West Gambling Service, initially for people living in Bristol.

The service will provide specialist therapies to those affected by gambling addiction, offering a range of interventions which includes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

The service for Bristol residents is the first to be available as part of a phased opening across the South West by the end of 2023.

Chris Gillmore, AWP’s South West Gambling Service Clinical Lead said: “Gambling Disorder is a common mental health condition that has many negative effects on people's lives and we are pleased this has been recognised as a national and regional NHS priority.

“Our South West Gambling Service offers people affected by gambling the very latest evidence-based treatments and support. We are collaborating with partner organisations to deliver a comprehensive treatment pathway to the South West community, initially for Bristol residents.

“Patients are able to self-refer into the service directly, or via referral from a local healthcare professional - so anybody who thinks they may need support should get in touch."

How to access this service:

If you live in Bristol and need help, or know someone in the city who could benefit from this service, then visit www.awp.nhs.uk (search South West Gambling Service), or call 0330 022 3175 to make a referral or for more information.

It's thought that over 130,000 people across the UK could be experiencing problems due to gambling according to Gambling Commission figures, with around 1.3 million people engaging in either moderate or low-risk gambling – although other research estimates that this figure could be higher.

Mathew Page, Chief Operating Officer at AWP said: “The impacts of harmful gambling are widespread, affecting people’s relationships and health. Figures demonstrate this is a growing issue and we will work to protect people from the damaging impacts of harmful gambling.”

The South West Gambling Service is working in partnership with Mental Health Matters, H2CD, Togetherall, Dr Julian and Intuitive Thinking Skills. It will be expanding to support people living in the following areas:

• North Somerset and South Gloucester – October 2023
• Plymouth – November 2023
• Available to anyone across the South West from December 2023.