The report recommends the introduction of specific support services for the millions of people in Britain affected by someone else’s gambling. The report, by a team at the University of Bristol supported by the abrdn Financial Fairness Trust, comes ahead of the expected publication of the government’s White Paper on gambling reforms.
The report calls for a major investment in services for those affected by someone else’s gambling, including:
- The inclusion of specific services for affected others in strategic commissioning plans e.g. the NHS Long Term Plan and the National Gambling Treatment Service as well as increased funding for other types of provision.
- Regularly-run publicity and awareness-raising public health campaigns about the impact of gambling problems on family members and friends.
- Clear, targeted messaging about the existing services that can provide the types of help and support family members and friends want.
- Making sure there is ‘no wrong door’ for people who seek help, whether they are someone who gambles or an affected other, including a simple way to find information online about the range of help available.