Problem gambling can affect many aspects of someone's life impacting on their finances, health and mental wellbeing. Gambling related harm is linked to debts, financial crisis, have a negative impact on relationships and families, difficulty sleeping as well as affect work. Compulsive gambling can lead people to becoming isolated and cause anxiety and depression.

Use open discovery questions to make the most of conversations by recognising an opportunity to discuss health and wellbeing. This could be 'How are you?' or 'How are you finding everything at the moment?'

Acknowledge the response by using healthy conversation skills such as active listening, reflecting or showing empathy. This will allow for a joint understanding of the support a person needs

Take appropriate action to either give information, signpost to a local service or refer them yourself. Remember that the solution must be person centered and they must want to change

Gamcare is the leading support service providing free support, advice and counselling to help people to overcome gambling problems.

Gamcare helpline is free and runs 24 hours hours a day, seven days a week call 0808 8020 133.

Gamblers Anonymous

NHS East Midlands Gambling Harms Service – Provide specialist therapies and treatment to people in the East Midlands affected by gambling

Chapter One – Information on how to 'self-exclude' from gambling websites and premises, block transactions through banking, and restrict advertising

Turning Point- Turning Point deliver the Integrated Substance Misuse Treatment and Recovery Service in Leicestershire. They work with anyone who is affected by drugs or alcohol regardless of age. Click here to find out more about the service

Citizen's Advice – Citizens advice offer confidential advice online, over the phone and face to face and can support with a range of areas including help with debt, budgeting and homelessness.

The National Gambling Support Network – 0808 802 0133 – A group of organisations offering free, confidential support for anyone who is experiencing problems from gambling, as well as those affected by someone else's gambling.

Samaritans – available 24/7 for anyone struggling to cope, ensuring that people who are at increased risk of suicide are supported

Gambling With Lives – Charity set up by bereaved families to provide support, raise awareness and campaign for change

Start a Conversation – Campaign to support people who may be struggling with mental health or thoughts of suicide

Here are some useful resources about gambling

The Chapter One 'Preparing for Change' toolkit offers a practical overview of how to plan and prepare for life changes, to understand motivations, support and how to make changes related to gambling.

The NHS Help for problems with gambling website provides a set of questions to help identify if gambling is causing a problem along with information on how to seek support and signposting for those who are affected by someone else's gambling

The Gamcare Recovery toolkit provides self guided resources and information on self-exclusion/blocking software to help reduce exposure to gambling websites

Gamblers Anonymous UK provide local support groups to help people overcome gambling

If you are affected by someone's gambling support is available. Gamcare provide information for partners, family and friends affected by problem gambling and GamAnon offer local support groups for anyone affected by someone else's compulsive gambling.