Reaching help can feel like a big step – especially if this is the first time. Is normal to have questions or worries.
In this blog post, we answer some of the most common questions about calling national assistance channels, so you know what is expected when you contact us.
Who can call the assistance channel?
National gambling assistance provides information, suggestions, and free support to anyone affected by gambling in England, Scotland and Wales.
You can contact your own gambling, or other people. We got a call from people of all ages, gender, and background. If gambling affects your life in any way, we are here to help.
You can contact us whether you just started thinking about your gambling, or you have reached the crisis point. It doesn’t matter how long you bet or how much you have spent. Never too early – or late – to get support.
What kind of things people call?
People contact us for many different reasons. This can include things like:
- Want an honest chat about how gambling affects them
- Looking for ways to control or limit their gambling
- Worried about money and debt due to gambling
- Seek help for couples, children or loved ones who gamble
- Support with recovery or recurrence
But really, the list is unlimited. There are no two same calls, because everyone has their own unique challenges and experiences. If gambling is in your mind, we are here to help.
What happened when I called you?
We recommend calling from a quiet room without interruption.
You will hear the ringtone and short message recorded. We will take as soon as possible, usually in 30 seconds.
We will start a conversation with open questions, such as “National Gambling Assistance Channels, how can we help?”.
Our trained advisers will listen to whatever is in your mind. If you don’t know where to start, it’s okay. There is no rush. We will work together to explore this problem, one step at a time.
We can give you information, suggestions, and support that is tailored to your specific situation. Depending on what feels right for you, we can also refer you to other care and support services.
Calls can last as long as you need. You are very welcome to call us back if you need to talk again.
Will you tell anyone I have contacted?
Some callers are worried that the employer or owner will know that they have called us. Don’t worry, this isn’t the problem. And contact us also will not have an impact on your credit score.
The conversation will remain between you and the advisor to the aid channel. Nothing will be distributed with other people without your permission, unless someone is directly risky.
If you are under 18 years old, you don’t need to tell your parents that you contact us. We also will not tell them unless you are at risk of dangerous immediately.
Can I still be anonymous?
Yes, it’s up to you what information you share.
We want to ask for a first name to make a personal conversation. We can also ask the first part of your postal code to see what services are available near you. You don’t have to provide this information.
If you contact us, we will be able to see your phone number. If you contact us via WhatsApp, we will see your phone number and name on your account.
Our chat room and forum are a good choice if you want to remain fully anonymous, because you can set your own user name.
Can the aid channel be accessed by me?
If you are deaf or have hearing loss, you can use our services with the help of the next generation of text services.
If you want to use help channels in non -English language, tell us and we will be connected to the Languageline service to help you.
Is there another way to talk to someone?
We understand speaking on the phone is not right for everyone.
You can also talk to us through direct chat or WhatsApp (both available 24/7) or our moderated forums and forums. Any contact is a good step, so choose the method you feel.
We hope this has answered a few of your questions about contacting you. Our help is available 24/7 and there are many ways to contact if you are uncomfortable calling us. Make a step that feels right for you and we will be at the other end that is ready to help.
