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Accessing treatment and support


Free and confidential advice and support is available in Greater Manchester for people who gamble, people who are worried about someone else’s gambling, or for people recovering from past gambling. You are not alone.

Over half of the population has participated in some form of gambling in the past year. One in 15 residents in Greater Manchester experience gambling related harms, when the impact on children, friends and families is considered. Recognising the warning signs can help identify when it might be time to seek help for yourself or others.

Signs that gambling may be impacting you

Any level of exposure to gambling can make you vulnerable to harm, and it might not immediately feel connected to gambling. Knowing what to look for can be a helpful first step to identify gambling harms:

  • Not sleeping, feeling constantly restless
  • Feeling anxious a lot of the time
  • Not being able to take pleasure in ordinary things
  • Feeling stressed, irritable or angry about other people’s opinions
  • Not being able to stop gambling or thinking about gambling, despite wanting to
  • Feeling disconnected from people and situations
  • Not able to pay attention to people you care about
  • Feeling generally depressed
  • Feeling suicidal or thinking about being absent from the world
  • Constantly needing to check devices
  • Worrying about money and / or debt

If you think any of these things are happening, you might benefit from some extra help.

Getting support with gambling 

Chapter One

Chapter One provides more information about gambling and support available, including how to block gambling products and how gambling can impact people. Visit the Chapter One website to find more services that can support you: How and where to get help | Chapter One (chapter-one.org)

NHS Northern Gambling Service

If you think gambling could be affecting you, the NHS has clinics specifically to help. They’re easy to access and confidential. The team will provide you with information and support at every step.

The NHS clinics are specialist services that provide therapy and recovery support to people affected by gambling addiction. Some, including the NHS Northern Gambling Service, also support those close to people with a gambling addiction, such as family, partners, and carers.

Visit the NHS Northern Gambling website to find out more and to contact them: Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust -Referrals and contacting us (leedsandyorkpft.nhs.uk)

Dealing with the impacts of gambling

There are many services providing advice and support to help manage the consequences of a gambling disorder, such as debt, housing, legal or relationship advice.