NHS launches new gambling-related harm treatment programme
New service aims to offer quick and easy access to treatment for at-risk individuals in the north of England
The National Health Service (NHS) has launched its first treatment services targeting gambling-related harm across the north of England.
The NHS northern gambling service, which is run by the Leeds and York partnership NHS Foundation Trust, is the first NHS-led gambling-related harm treatment service outside of London.
It will provide care for those suffering from gambling-related harm, together with treatment and support for people with additional and complex mental health conditions, impaired social functioning, and those who may be at risk of suicide.
The service can also offer separate support to family members and carers of those affected by gambling-related harm.
As part of the service, dedicated NHS treatment centres for gambling-related harm will be opened in Manchester and Sunderland in 2020 in addition to one in Leeds which opened earlier this year. The service is being funded jointly by NHS England and GambleAware in an agreement worth around £1m a year.
Health minister Matt Hancock said he was determined to tackle gambling-related harm and said no person should be denied access to support and treatment based solely on where they live.
“As part of our NHS long term plan, we will continue to roll out these specialist services across the country and undo the damage caused by gambling and protect our most vulnerable.”
The service slots into the Gambling Commission’s National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms launched earlier this year. The strategy aims to improve access to support and treatment for individuals at risk of or currently experiencing gambling-related harm.
GambleAware CEO Marc Etches said: “These new services will play a vital role in making sure those with more serious and complex needs linked to gambling will have quick access to free, fast and effective treatment, wherever they may be.
“We very much look forward to seeing this clinic open and we would welcome the opportunity to potentially replicate this approach in other areas of the UK in the future,” Etches added.