The National Gambling Helpline, providing free support to people affected by gambling harm in Great Britain, GamCare, highlights the importance and effectiveness of its Money Guidance Service.
A newly released evaluation of the service acknowledged the positive change it is bringing, helping support individuals affected by gambling-related financial harm.
The Money Guidance Service provides vital gambling support and debt advice
It was back in 2022 when GamCare developed its Money Guidance Service.
The vital service initially launched with pilot schemes available to residents in Yorkshire, Number and East Midlands.
The ultimate goal of the Money Guidance Service is to provide advice and gambling-specific money guidance.
In 2023, the service officially rolled out nationally, granting people across the country access.
According to a statement released by GamCare, the latest evaluation was conducted by Dr Xia Lin and Professor Alessio D’Angelo, a couple of experts with significant knowledge in social and health research.
Notably, the findings of the Money Guidance Service, compiled in a report "Bridging the Gap between Gambling Support and Debt Advice," recognized the importance of the initiative, which fills a "critical gap between gambling support and debt advice, providing trusted, valued and effective support to those struggling with gambling-related financial harm," as explained by GamCare.
Kathy Wade, GamCare's Money Guidance Service Manager, commented: "It’s fantastic to see the impact that the team has had in helping people recover from gambling-related financial issues, especially as we continue to rising costs impacted people in Britain."
Moreover, she acknowledged that the latest evaluation is a testament to the importance of the guidance and advice GamCare's trained employees offer to people affected by gambling-related debt.
Finally, Wade said: "We’re looking forward to implementing the recommendations of the report and continue building an excellent service which helps people get back in control of their finances."
The vital initiative has a positive impact
According to the newly released report, GamCare's Money Guidance team was able to deliver extensive internal training to National Gambling Helpline advisors.
This enabled them to be more confident in making referrals and offering basic money guidance to callers.
Equally as important, the service delivered a powerful positive impact by helping people better manage their finances, resulting in a long-term increase in confidence.
The one-on-one guidance provided via the Money Guidance Service offered people affected by gambling harm advice on how to reduce debt and boost their financial stability.
Importantly, the service boosted the individuals' overall well-being and supported their recovery.
