New Greater Manchester clinic opens to support people affected by gambling harms

A new treatment and support clinic has opened to help people from across Greater Manchester who are experiencing gambling related harms.

Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) is working together with Manchester City Council, Change Grow Live, Beacon Counselling Trust and NHS Northern Gambling Service to provide help for people experiencing gambling related harms.

Located at Change Grow Live’s Phoenix Mill site, the Manchester city centre clinic opened its doors on 14th April and will offer free and confidential support for residents that need help or advice on gambling or the impact of gambling.

Gambling is often described as a hidden issue but can have serious consequences for finances, relationships, and health, as well as causing feelings of guilt, shame, and helplessness. GMCA is working with partners to ensure people can get the right support at the right time to prevent gambling from becoming a source of serious harm.

David Regan, Director of Public Health, Manchester City Council said: “Manchester City Council has been supporting the work of the GMCA Reducing Gambling Harms Programme for some time now, so we are particularly pleased that, with the help of our colleagues at Change Grow Live, we are able to offer treatment space in Manchester city centre. By working together we can provide the right support for our residents.

“Gambling harms can be an overlooked issue, but one in 15 people in Greater Manchester experience the harmful impacts of gambling. This new clinic is an important step forward in supporting residents and I would like to encourage anyone who thinks they might need help to access the services available.”

Lauren Campbell, Treatment Manager at Beacon Counselling Trust said: “We are proud to be a part of this gambling support clinic, working alongside GMCA, Change Grow Live, and the NHS Northern Gambling Service. We recognise the importance of individuals receiving the right support at the right time, which is why we are proud to work alongside other services to ensure each treatment pathway is tailored to the individual’s needs.

“We offer free and confidential treatment to individuals at risk of, or experiencing, gambling-related harms, including their affected family, friends, and partners, and by working within the Greater Manchester Clinic, we are able to link up with other organisations to offer smooth and efficient referrals across other support services when necessary.”

To access this service, Greater Manchester residents can self-refer by visiting https://beaconcounsellingtrust.co.uk/problematic-gambling/, calling 0151 226 0696 or emailing gamcare@beaconcounsellingtrust.co.uk. Alternatively, residents are encouraged to discuss their needs with a professional, such as GP or caseworker who can make sure you get the right support.

This new clinic is being delivered as part of the GMCA gambling harms reduction programme. GMCA is bringing together partners from across the 10 localities in Greater Manchester as part of an innovative public service reform and population health agenda to prevent and reduce gambling related harms in our communities.

You can find out more about the support available across Greater Manchester for people experiencing or at risk of gambling related harms from the GMCA website: GMCA – accessing treatment and support

Article Published: 22/04/2022 15:44 PM