GambleAware announces £3.9m three-year funding expansion
Increased face-to-face treatment targeted with new funding
GambleAware has announced an additional £3.9m injection of funds over the next three years, aimed at expanding the GamCare-operated National Gambling Treatment service across the UK.
The charity has confirmed that £2.35m of these funds will be used to expand the provision of face-to-face treatment services for at-risk gamblers in England, Scotland and Wales.
A further £705,000 of these funds will be invested in the National Gambling Helpline, while £435,000 will be used to develop programs enabling individuals to have access to computerised Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, where this is deemed to be “clinically appropriate”.
The remaining £438,000 in funding will be used to develop peer support programs for individuals recovering from gambling addiction.
Marc Etches, CEO of GambleAware, said the announcement reflected its commitment to take a “strategic approach” to problem gambling treatment.
Last year GambleAware received £9.6 million in voluntary donations from operators including William Hill, bet365 and GVC Holdings . The charity also received an additional £7.3 million in regulatory settlements both of which is helping to fund this treatment investment.
Anna Hemmings, Chief Executive of GamCare said the funding would allow for the introduction of broader accessibility, availability and choice in treatment for those harmed by gambling.
“With it, we will be able to reach larger numbers of people in more locations nationally, offering a wider range of services including both online and peer support alongside our existing treatment provision.” Hemmings added.