Information for Professionals
The Gambling Support Service provides free, confidential and person-centred support for people experiencing gambling-related harm, as well as family members and others affected by a loved one’s gambling. Support is tailored to individual need, ranging from brief interventions through to longer-term recovery-focused support.
The service is available across Sheffield and offers both online and face-to-face support and aims to reduce harm, improve wellbeing, and support positive change.
The Impact of Gambling Harms
Gambling-related harm can affect many areas of a person’s life, including:
- Financial wellbeing
- Mental health
- Physical health
- Relationships and family life
- Employment
- Housing stability
- Social connectedness
Gambling harm can also affect family members, partners, children, and wider social networks.
Many people experiencing gambling harm do not access specialist support, and gambling often remains hidden behind other presenting issues.
Who is the service for?
The service is available to:
- Adults experiencing gambling-related harm
- People who want support to reduce or stop gambling
- Family members affected by another person’s gambling
- Friends, carers and affected others
- Young people requiring gambling-related support
What Support Is Available?
Prevention Pathway
Designed for individuals experiencing emerging gambling-related harm.
Support may include:
- Understanding gambling harms
- Exploring triggers and urges
- Coping strategies
- Harm reduction approaches
- Blocking tools and environmental controls
- Maintaining positive change
- Support for affected others
- Tailored support for young people
Additional opportunities include peer support, SMART Recovery groups and volunteering pathways.
Treatment Pathway
For individuals experiencing more significant or complex gambling-related harm.
Support may include:
- Comprehensive assessment
- Individual support planning
- Practical support
- Referrals to specialist services
- Support for affected others
- Recovery-focused interventions
- Peer support and group activities
- Community engagement and volunteering opportunities
When to Consider a Referral
Professionals may wish to discuss a referral when a person:
- Reports gambling-related debt or financial difficulties
- Is experiencing increased stress or reduced wellbeing linked to gambling
- Presents with family or relationship difficulties associated with gambling
- Expresses a desire to reduce or stop gambling
- Is affected by someone else’s gambling behaviour
- Would benefit from specialist gambling harm support
How to Refer
Professionals can discuss support options with individuals and encourage self-referral or contact the service directly to discuss a potential referral.