How to get help with a gambling problem in Headingley

People in Headingley can access free, confidential gambling support through the NHS Northern Gambling Service (Leeds clinic at Merrion House, LS2 8PD), GamCare Yorkshire & Humber (local phone 0113 388 6466), and the 24/7 National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133). Self-referral is available by phone or email, with face-to-face, online, and telephone therapy options across Leeds and surrounding areas.

What gambling support services are available in Headingley and Leeds?

Headingley residents access the same integrated gambling harm services as the rest of Leeds, including specialist NHS therapy, GamCare counselling, peer support groups, and financial guidance delivered through the Leeds Community Gambling Service partnership.

Headingley (LS6) falls under the Leeds City Council public health remit and the NHS Northern Gambling Service catchment area. The primary providers are GamCare Yorkshire & Humber, which operates the local Leeds and York service, and the NHS Northern Gambling Service, which has a city centre clinic at Merrion House, Merrion Way, Leeds, LS2 8PD. These services work in partnership with Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LYPFT), NECA (a local treatment partner), and Leeds City Council to deliver prevention, education, and treatment for gambling-related harms.

The Leeds Community Gambling Service, established in 2019, was the first fully integrated gambling support service of its kind outside London. It provides a seamless pathway from initial helpline contact through brief intervention, counselling, specialist therapy, and relapse prevention support. All services are free of charge, confidential, and available to gamblers as well as family members, partners, and carers affected by someone else’s gambling behaviour.

How do I contact gambling help services near Headingley?

The fastest routes are calling the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 (24/7), contacting GamCare Yorkshire & Humber on 0113 388 6466 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm), or self-referring to the NHS Northern Gambling Service on 0300 3001490 or via email at referral.ngs@nhs.net.

The National Gambling Helpline, operated by GamCare and funded by GambleAware, provides immediate confidential advice, information, and support. Advisers can complete referrals to local treatment services during the call. The helpline transitioned to 24-hour availability from 1 October 2019 and also offers online live chat at www.gamcare.

GamCare Yorkshire & Humber covers Leeds and York specifically. The service accepts referrals by phone (0113 388 6466), email (yandh@gamcare.org.uk), or through an online referral form. Practitioners respond within one working day to arrange an assessment. Support is available face-to-face, online, or over the phone.

The NHS Northern Gambling Service accepts self-referrals directly. Call 0300 3001490 (leaving a contact number if using voicemail) or email referral.ngs@nhs.net. Someone will contact you within one to three working days to send a detailed referral form. After completing and returning this form, you will be booked for an assessment at a convenient time.

Where is the nearest NHS gambling clinic to Headingley?

The nearest NHS gambling clinic is the Leeds Northern Gambling Service clinic at Merrion House, Merrion Way, Leeds, LS2 8PD, located in the city centre near Morrisons and approximately 2 miles from Headingley.

The Leeds clinic is one of six face-to-face locations operated by the NHS Northern Gambling Service across the North of England. Other clinics are in Liverpool, Manchester, Preston, Sheffield, and Newcastle. The service also offers remote video consultations for people who cannot or prefer not to travel to a clinic.

The Leeds clinic is referral-only and does not accept walk-in patients. Appointments are scheduled after the referral and assessment process is complete. The clinic is based in the city centre near Morrisons, with the postcode LS2 8PD. Merrion House has also been listed with the Woodhouse Lane address (LS2 8LX) in some GamCare partnership documentation, reflecting the close operational integration between the NHS service and the Leeds Community Gambling Service at the same building complex.

From Headingley, the clinic is accessible by bus (multiple routes along Otley Road and Woodhouse Lane), car (city centre parking), or on foot for those living in the closer parts of LS6. Journey times typically range from 10 to 20 minutes depending on exact starting point and mode of transport.

What types of treatment are offered for gambling addiction in Leeds?

The NHS Northern Gambling Service and GamCare Yorkshire & Humber provide one-to-one Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), group therapy sessions, family intervention, peer support, relapse prevention planning, and specialist support for co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and suicidal feelings.

The NHS Northern Gambling Service clinical team includes psychologists, therapists, psychiatrists, and mental health nurses. The service also employs experts by experience, people who have recovered from gambling addiction, to support the therapeutic process. Treatment begins with an assessment of the current situation, problems faced, and impact on daily life. This assessment informs a personalised care plan.

The core programme consists of eight to ten sessions of CBT for gambling addiction, often delivered in a group setting. CBT is a talking therapy that helps people sustain change by altering the way they think, feel, cope, and behave. The programme also includes resources to help build an alternative, more meaningful lifestyle and develop new coping skills.

Family intervention is a key component. The service meets with family members or those close to the person with gambling addiction to ensure everyone understands the recovery process and the support needed. Recruiting support to help stop gambling and sustain change plays an important role in recovery. The service also provides stand-alone support to those affected by someone else’s gambling addiction, even if the gambler is not seeking treatment.

Relapse prevention planning follows the core programme. A therapist meets with the person and their support network to agree a relapse prevention plan and continue building recovery capital. Recovery capital is a mixture of positive things in life that help build and sustain a lifestyle with abstinence from gambling, including personal health, quality of life, social connectedness, and citizenship.

Graduate groups and periodic therapist check-ins are available after completing the core programme. Mutual Aid groups, such as Gamblers Anonymous, are also offered. The team takes a holistic approach and ensures that other difficulties such as distress, debt problems, alcohol or drug abuse, trauma, and mental health problems are attended to, involving other services where necessary with consent.

How do I self-refer for gambling support in Leeds?

Self-referral is straightforward: call 0300 3001490 or email referral.ngs@nhs.net for the NHS Northern Gambling Service, call 0113 388 6466 or email yandh@gamcare.org.uk for GamCare Yorkshire & Humber, or call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 and ask for a referral to local services.

For the NHS Northern Gambling Service, the self-referral process involves contacting the service by phone or email. Someone will be in touch within one to three working days to provide a more detailed referral form. Once this form is completed and returned, the service will contact you to book an assessment at a convenient time. The assessment creates a personalised care plan and moves you into the free active therapy programme

For GamCare Yorkshire & Humber, call the local Leeds number or complete the online Treatment Referral Form for Yorkshire & Humber. All information given is confidential and stored securely. A member of the team will be in touch on the next working day. The service also offers a Money Guidance Service for anyone who has experienced gambling-related financial difficulties, including people affected by someone else’s gambling.

The National Gambling Helpline can also complete referrals on your behalf. Upon calling 0808 8020 133, a trained member of staff will take a brief history and complete referrals for support and assistance with your gambling addiction. You can also use the online chat helpline at www.gamcare.org.uk to connect with a trained advisor who will assist by completing referrals.

What support is available for family members affected by gambling?

Family members, partners, and carers can access stand-alone support from the NHS Northern Gambling Service and GamCare Yorkshire & Humber, including information about gambling addiction, coping skills training, family intervention sessions, and peer support, even if the gambler is not seeking treatment.

The NHS Northern Gambling Service provides stand-alone support to those affected by someone else’s gambling addiction. This support can happen even if the gambler is not seeking treatment. The service provides information about gambling addiction and teaches a range of coping skills to reduce stress and increase confidence to cope with the situation.

Family intervention is a core part of the treatment pathway. The service arranges a meeting with family members or those close to the person with gambling addiction so that everyone understands the recovery process and the support needed. This meeting helps recruit support to help the person stop gambling and sustain change.

GamCare Yorkshire & Humber supports gamblers as well as those affected by the gambling behaviour of a family member or friend. All services are free of charge and confidential. The service can provide guidance and information on managing finances and direct people to the right tools and support through the Money Guidance Service.

Five signs to look out for if you are concerned about someone else’s gambling include withdrawal from usual activities, changing mood, sleeping problems, financial signs such as missing money or borrowing, and lying about what they are doing with their time. Recognising these signs early can help family members encourage the person to seek help before problems build up to a crisis point.

Are there free peer support groups for gambling recovery in Leeds?

Yes, Gamblers Anonymous holds regular meetings across Leeds, and the NHS Northern Gambling Service and GamCare offer graduate groups, mutual aid groups, and peer support sessions for people in recovery from gambling addiction.

Gamblers Anonymous (GA) is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength, and hope to help each other recover from gambling problems. GA meetings are free, do not require booking, and most have resumed in-person meetings. You can find local GA meetings at www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk by clicking on the meetings tab. You simply turn up and will be supported by others going through the same process.

The NHS Northern Gambling Service offers mutual aid groups as part of the recovery journey. Throughout the recovery journey, you can connect with other people who have shared the same experiences and recovered well. This is called peer support. A graduate group can also be accessed following completion of the core programme, as well as periodic support from your therapist.

GamCare provides a Forum and daily chatrooms so that people can speak to others experiencing similar issues and seek support. These online peer support options complement face-to-face meetings and provide additional flexibility for people who cannot attend in-person groups.

What financial and debt advice is available for gambling-related harm?

The NHS Northern Gambling Service and GamCare Yorkshire & Humber both offer money guidance services that provide tailored advice on managing finances, paying bills, debt management, and accessing specialist debt support for people affected by gambling-related financial difficulties.

The NHS Northern Gambling Service discusses methods to block opportunities to gamble, including the use of technology and changes to banking and access to money, at an early point in the treatment process. The holistic approach ensures that debt problems are attended to alongside the gambling addiction, involving other services where necessary with consent.

GamCare Yorkshire & Humber is now accepting referrals to its Money Guidance Service. This service offers tailored money guidance to anyone who has experienced gambling-related financial difficulties, including people affected by someone else’s gambling. Money guidance practitioners provide guidance and information on managing finances and direct people to the right tools and support.

Citizens Advice also provides free self-help services on paying bills, referrals, debt management, rent payment, and much more for people with gambling-related debt. Professionals can direct service users to the Citizens Advice Gambling Addiction web page for advice, help, and guidance.

How long does it take to get an appointment for gambling treatment in Leeds?

After self-referral, the NHS Northern Gambling Service and GamCare Yorkshire & Humber typically respond within one to three working days to arrange an assessment, with therapy sessions scheduled as soon as both you and a therapist are available.

The NHS Northern Gambling Service states that once a referral is accepted, you can expect to be seen as soon as both you and one of the team are available. After the initial contact, someone will be in touch within one to three working days to provide a detailed referral form. Once this form is completed and returned, the service will contact you to book an assessment at a convenient time.

GamCare Yorkshire & Humber responds to referral form submissions on the next working day. A member of the team will be in touch as soon as possible to arrange support. The service offers flexible appointment options, including face-to-face, online, and telephone sessions, to accommodate different schedules and preferences.

The National Gambling Helpline provides immediate support and can complete referrals during the call. Treatment varies from region to region, but counselling and therapy will be offered, as well as the GameChange program, all free of charge.

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What are the signs that someone needs help with gambling?

Key warning signs include withdrawing from usual activities, noticeable changes in mood, sleeping problems, financial difficulties such as missing money or borrowing, and lying about time or activities, as identified by GamCare and the Leeds Community Gambling Service.

Withdrawal is an early warning sign. Not wanting to join in or losing interest in usual activities or hobbies like going out with friends or spending time with family can indicate that gambling could be harmful. Wanting to stay at home more frequently and needing to check their phone constantly to check the latest results are also signs.

Changing mood is another indicator. There could be noticeable changes to mood and behaviour, including looking worried, agitated, or upset for no apparent reason. Sleeping problems also occur. If someone is chasing losses and losing money, they might not be sleeping. Anxiety or constant worrying can lead to people being up all hours. Continuing to gamble on their phone during the night could lead to sleep patterns being affected.

Financial signs are often the most visible. Money may go missing from bank accounts, or the person may regularly be short of money and have to borrow. There may also be more pressure to get loans out, chasing losses now not just to generate income. Lying is also common. You may notice that the person is lying about what they are doing with their time. The biggest risk is the expectation they will feel from others to provide, and if they are hiding the gambling, they will feel very vulnerable at being found out and very low that they have let people down.

How effective is gambling addiction treatment in Leeds?

The Leeds Community Gambling Service has helped over 400 people tackle the emotional and physical side-effects associated with gambling in the area since 2019, with the NHS Northern Gambling Service delivering specialist CBT-based therapy and relapse prevention support across the North of England.

According to data from GamCare, more men than women come forward in the Leeds area to seek support for their gambling. Men make up more than half (57 per cent) of service-users, whereas women make up more than one-third (39 per cent). Over a third (35 per cent) of people seeking help across the city are aged 26 to 35, underlining how young adults can be susceptible to gambling-related harms within the Leeds area.

The most popular form of gambling across Leeds was online casino slots (32 per cent), followed by online gambling for sports events (11 per cent). The variety of services available in Leeds, including prevention, education, and treatment, provides a comprehensive approach to reducing gambling-related harms.

Research shows that 10,000 people in Leeds are affected by problem gambling. Problem gambling is now recognised as a public health issue which can damage people’s lives and have a huge impact on families, loved ones, and communities. The integrated service model in Leeds, combining NHS specialist therapy with community-based support, has been highlighted as a model that could be replicated in other areas of the UK.

What should I do if I am in crisis or having suicidal thoughts?

If you are in crisis or having suicidal thoughts, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 (24/7), contact Samaritans on 116 123 (24/7), or call 999 if there is an immediate risk to life. The NHS Northern Gambling Service also provides specialist support for people with suicidal feelings linked to gambling.

The National Gambling Helpline provides confidential information, advice, and support for anyone affected by gambling problems in England, Scotland, and Wales. The helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Advisers can provide immediate emotional support and complete referrals to specialist services.

Samaritans provides emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide. The service is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day on 116 123. You can also email jo@samaritans.org or visit a local Samaritans branch.

The NHS Northern Gambling Service provides specialist addiction support and treatment to people affected by gambling addiction or disorder, as well as those with more complex mental health problems such as depression and suicidal feelings. The service has a Leeds base and covers the whole of the North of England.

If there is an immediate risk to life, call 999 or go to the nearest Accident and Emergency department. The NHS 111 service can also provide urgent mental health support and direct you to the appropriate local crisis team.

How can I support someone in Headingley with a gambling problem?

Encourage them to contact the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, GamCare Yorkshire & Humber on 0113 388 6466, or the NHS Northern Gambling Service on 0300 3001490, and offer to help them complete the referral process or attend appointments.

Start by having an open, non-judgemental conversation. Express concern without blame or criticism. Use the five signs identified by GamCare to explain what you have noticed, such as withdrawal from usual activities, changing mood, sleeping problems, financial difficulties, and lying about time or activities.

Offer practical support. Help them make the initial call to the National Gambling Helpline or GamCare. Offer to sit with them while they complete the online referral form. Offer to accompany them to their first appointment at the Leeds clinic at Merrion House or to a Gamblers Anonymous meeting.

Educate yourself about gambling addiction. Visit www.gamcare.org.uk/leeds or the MindWell Leeds directory to learn about the services available. Understanding the recovery process and the support needed will help you provide more effective support.

Take care of your own wellbeing. Supporting someone with a gambling problem can be stressful. Access stand-alone support for family members through the NHS Northern Gambling Service or GamCare Yorkshire & Humber. Join a peer support group for family members or seek counselling for yourself.

Where can I find more information about gambling support in Leeds?

Visit www.gamcare.org.uk/leeds for local Leeds services, www.leedsandyorkpft.nhs.uk/our-services/northern-gambling-service for NHS specialist therapy, and www.mindwell-leeds.org.uk for the full directory of mental health and wellbeing services in Leeds.

The GamCare Leeds page provides information about the Leeds Community Gambling Service, including contact details, opening times, and how to access support. The page also provides links to the National Gambling Helpline and online live chat.

The NHS Northern Gambling Service website provides detailed information about the treatment offer, referral process, and clinic locations. The site also provides information about the clinical team, experts by experience, and the holistic approach to treating gambling addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions.

MindWell Leeds is the mental health website for people in Leeds. The site provides a directory of services, including the NHS Northern Gambling Service, GamCare, and other mental health and wellbeing services. The site also provides information about how life experiences can affect us and how to find help for alcohol, drugs, or gambling problems.

GambleAware, the national charity that funds the National Gambling Treatment Service, provides information about problem gambling, safer gambling campaigns, and how to access support. The charity also produces public health campaigns including Bet Regret.