What support is available in Bristol and nationally, what help we can offer.

Gambling can lead to stress, anxiety, or negative impacts on finances, relationships, family life, work performance, or mental health.

Find free and confidential support if you're worried about your own or someone else's gambling.

Need support now

Call the National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133

Visit: Gamcare.org.uk.

Get help in Bristol

Ara: Recovery for All

Ara offers free, confidential gambling harm support across Bristol and the South West, including counselling, advice and help for affected families.

Their services also include: 

  • one-to-one counselling and talking therapies tailored to individual needs, to help clients understand triggers and develop coping strategies
  • group therapy sessions that provide peer support and shared experiences in a safe environment
  • family support programs to educate and assist relatives affected by someone else's gambling

Find more about their Gambling harms services or call 0330 1340 286.

The South West Gambling Service

The South West Gambling Service is an NHS service providing free, confidential support to people in Bristol and across the South West, helping them reduce or stop gambling and improve their mental health and wellbeing.

Support includes:

  • recovery courses for gambling
  • cognitive behaviour therapy
  • support for affected family members
  • access to an online community

You can refer yourself directly to the service either by calling 0330 022 3175 or use their online form.

Visit The South West Gambling Service: Our services for more information.

Gamblers Anonymous

Gambler Anonymous offers support across England, Wales and Ulster, including regular meeting in Bristol.

National support

National Gambling Helpline: call 0808 8020 133 or visit Gamcare.org.uk.

Self exclude

You can also ask to self-exclude if you feel your gambling is becoming harmful.

This lets you restrict your access to gambling activities and get support to stop.

Learn more about self-exclusion.

Other support

Help with money and debt problems.

Welfare Rights and Money Advice Service.