GambleAware: NGSN Has Supported 110K+ People Since Its Launch

GambleAware, a leading British problem gambling support charity, has published a progress report on The National Gambling Support Network (NGSN), saying that it has so far helped more than 110,000 people. The charity also highlighted an increase in self-referrals.

The Network Continues to Grow as More People Seek Help

The NGSN is a network of organizations across England, Scotland and Wales that provide free treatment, advice and support to those negatively impacted by gambling. The network was launched in April 2023 and, in just two years, has helped some 110,000 people, according to GambleAware.

GambleAware added that recent data showed a drastic 50% increase in self-referrals in 2024. This followed a drastic increase in the use of self-assessment tools last year.

The charity also noted that waiting times for a first assessment were usually offered within two days. Depending on the severity of the issue, citizens seeking the NGSN’s help received assessments, brief interventions, extended brief interventions (EBI),

GambleAware reflected on the scheme’s region-first approach, which seeks to provide local support, saying that the increase in self-referrals attests to its effectiveness. In addition to that, the NGSN provides person-centered support that takes individual needs, circumstances and schedules into mind, ensuring that people receive the help they need.

The NGSN Remains Committed to Achieving Strong Outcomes

GambleAware also commented on the effectiveness of brief interventions (BI), which are short-term strategies, seeking to address a gambling problem before it becomes too serious. The charity said that BIs and prevention in general have been central to the NGSN’s strategy to prevent harm. As a result, the number of BIs in 2024 almost doubled to 21,000 people.  

Unfortunately, brief interventions are not always sufficient and, in more severe cases, the NGSN has had to offer “Tier 4” treatment, where a person must remain at a residential treatment center.

In any case, the treatment sector has put significant work into its various treatment approaches, seeking to help both those beginning to experience gambling problems and those whose lives have been profoundly affected by them.

The NGSN’s goal remains to provide effective support that achieves “strong outcomes” to as many people in need as possible.

Jackie Menzies, a person who has benefitted from the most intensive care the NGSN has to offer, commented on the importance of treatment services. Having started gambling when he was only 20, Menzies quickly experienced significant detrimental effects on his mental health and well-being. Now 38, Menzies describes the service he received as lifesaving.

Gambling Harm Treatment Is Crucial to Preventing Worst-Case Scenarios

In the meantime, GambleAware’s deputy chief executive officer, Anna Hargrave, commented on the performance of the NGSN in 2024. She said that the network’s second year presented an opportunity to apply the learnings from the first one and improve the help offered.

We’ve seen an increase in the number of people being supported and importantly, an increase in brief interventions and self-referrals, which means we can support people earlier and reduce the potential for further harm.

Anna Hargrave, deputy CEO, GambleAware

Hargrave praised NGSN members for their unrivaled expertise and the life-changing help they offer.

Joy Allen, police and crime commissioner for Durham, also weighed in on the matter. She lamented the gambling-related suicides that happen every year and highlighted the importance of seeking help.

Additionally, Allen said: “In response, and in line with the priorities I’ve placed on tackling gambling harm, Durham Constabulary has signed the National Gambling Charter which commits the Constabulary to providing specialist training for its officers so that they can identify those at risk and signpost them towards support.”