I'm worried about someone else's gambling

Online help

Gambling can affect partners, children, parents, friends, colleagues and wider family. You may be feeling worried, angry, confused, isolated or usnsure what to do next. Support is available for you too, even if the person who gambles isn't ready to get help.

Help for problems with Gambling provides a variety of useful resources for those affected by gambling. This is an NHS website, and recommends support through:

  • Gam-Anon, which hosts virtual meetings for family and friends affected by someone else’s gambling. It offers in-person meetings throughout the UK, and Shropshire residents can access these in Telford and Wigan
  • GamFam, a charity set up by a family affected by gambling harms. It organises online meetings for family support groups, and offers peer support programmes
  • thrivin’ together, an online, women-led organisation set up by those with lived experience of gambling-related harms. It offers a 'women only' online community with access to activities, meetings and workshops
  • The West Midlands Gambling Harms Clinic, providing free, specialist addiction therapies, treatment and recovery to those affected by gambling addiction and gambling problems. They recognise that the effects of gambling can be far reaching, and offer support to friends and family affected by others' gambling

Emergency help

If you feel unsafe or gambling is linked with threats, abuse, coercion, neglect or risk to children, seek urgent advice as follows:

  • If you or someone else is in immediate danger call 999
  • If you're worried about a child or young person contact Shropshire First Point of Contact FPOC on 0345 678 9021. Out of hours call 0345 6789040 select option 1
  • If you're worried about an adult with care and support needs contact Shropshire First Point of Contact FPOC on 0345 678 9044. Out of hours call 0345 6789040
  • If domestic abuse is involved contact Shropshrie Domestic Abuse Service on 0300 303 1191 or West Mercia Womens Aid Shropshire Helpline on 0800 2229 4066
  • For non-emergency police contact call 101

Financial help

If you need finiancial help, contact Citizens Advice: