Welcome to GamFam

GamFam is a registered charity (1191139) set up by those who have experienced first-hand the devastating effects that gambling can have on family and friends.

As a family, we had no-one to talk to. We had no idea where to go for support, nor that a gambling addiction was in fact, a recognised mental well-being disorder. Things could have been so different for our family, ‘if only we knew then, what we know now’. It is with this ‘lived experience’ we hope that your family will also be able to start recovering from the effects of gambling harms.

Welcome message from Steve, Founder

Welcome message from Dean, Recovery Lead

GamFam offer support through GRA5P – The GamFam Recovery and Support Programme. GRA5P is a structured 5-stage self-help peer support programme, which was designed originally to support those affected by someone else’s gambling. However, more recently and out of increasing demand, GamFam have now developed a programme to support those directly in recovery too.

Knowing that you are not alone and that you have the opportunity to share your experiences in a safe space, with no fear of judgement and with others who have real empathy and understanding makes Peer Support such a powerful tool to help you in your recovery.

Currently all of our meetings run remotely via Zoom which means we are able help and support more people in more locations without any natural barriers to location. Meetings are hosted by trained GamFam facilitators and usually have between 6 to 10 members, with the option of 1 to 1 Peer Support if required.

The GRA5P programme delivers a strong support network so that group members can start to understand the devastating impact that a gambling harms can have. It also offers guidance on how individuals, families and friends can help themselves, as well as practical suggestions for coping day-by-day, to improve well-being and to help work towards a more positive future.

The Power of Peer Support

Peer support involves people drawing on lived experience to provide knowledge, experience, emotional assistance, practical help, and social interaction to help each other. It is different from other types of support (e.g., health coaching, counselling) because the source of support is a similar person with relevant experience, it connects people together. Peer support is one way that individuals, families and communities can manage their own health and wellbeing.

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Feedback

The following comments are from GRA5P group members. All identities have been removed to respect confidentiality

It is a horrendous journey, but this group is really giving me food for thought and I am so grateful to be part of it and to meet people who truly understand it. Prior to this I felt completely alone.

The group has had a massive impact on me, my health has improved and I seem much more in balance and can talk about XXXX with family without anxiety.

Thank you for sharing your story XXXX, what an unbelievable amount of courage and resilience you have, you have really helped me reflect on some things.

Was really great to open up. Thanks so much for your support with doing it. Everyone is so kind and I feel so much better for writing down and sharing our journey.

I was really nervous and rambled a bit but feel much lighter emotionally. I honestly can’t thank you enough for the support you have given me and owe the group so much – I will be eternally grateful.

Contact Us

If you need help in gaining a better understanding and would like to talk to someone who can relate to your situation please contact us.
Please do get in touch as it could be the start towards your own recovery.

If you would like to make a comment about GamFam, or access any of our policies, please complete the below contact form and we will get back to you.