Our Projects

GamFam Suffolk

Are you worried about gambling?

#YouAreNotAlone

If you live or work in Suffolk and are worried about your own gambling or someone else’s gambling then we understand the devastating effects it can have.

We are here to help

Individuals

If you need help in gaining a better understanding, and would like to talk to others who relate to your situation, please contact us to find out more about GRA5P – The GamFam Recovery And Support Programme, our structured 5-stage Peer Support programme. It could be the start towards
your own recovery.

Organisations & Referrals

If you are a professional organisation and would like further information or would like to make a referral into our service, please contact us through our e-mail info@gamfam.org.uk. GamFam are also able to deliver free of charge gambling harms awareness workshops for organisations.

Download PDF

Information and Awareness Presentations

GamFam want to change people’s perceptions about gambling and help combat the stigma surrounding gambling harms which is often referred to as the ‘hidden addiction’ so that gambling is viewed on the same level as other addictions such as drugs and alcohol.

Gambling is often promoted as ‘a bit of fun’ and has been normalised as an integral part of enjoying sport, in particular football. In addition, a recent report found that children who enjoyed the risk of simulated online gaming were more likely to gamble later in life.

Through our Information and Awareness programmes we want to support all people but with a particular focus on parents/carers, families and professionals working with young people to enable them to make informed choices and decisions about gambling.

The GamFam Information and Awareness presentations cover the following topics :

The links between online gaming and gambling
How gambling has changed and that potentially we all have access to a casino in our pocket through our mobile devices
10 Things to Look For & Things to Do
Preparing for 18
Next Steps – additional support and signposting

Our presentations are age appropriate age and can be delivered to parents/carers, families or professionals of children and youngsters of any age and offer strategies and advice for The Early Years (Key Stage 2, Key Stage 3) Preparing for 18 (Key Stage 4), Off to University/Work (Key Stage 5).

The Voices of Lived Experience in Greater Manchester

GamFam and GamLEARN worked together once again to facilitate the creation of a Lived Experience reference group in conjunction with the Greater Manchester Combined Authorities (GMCA) as part of the programme to help reduce gambling related harms in Greater Manchester.

The Core Aims of GaMHIve are to:

Raise awareness and reduce stigma of gambling related harm in Greater Manchester
Collaborate and signpost those experiencing GRH, either as a gambler or an affected other, towards support and guidance organisations
Advocate for lasting policy change locally and nationally
To give voices of lived experience the opportunity to contribute to the development of research, education and treatment services within Greater Manchester

GaMHive Website

GamHive Video

#WEAREtheEvidenceToo

Representing the views and evidence of people with lived experience of gambling harms

GamFam worked in collaboration with GamLEARN to produce a joint submission for the call for evidence for the Gambling Act review. The report represented the views and experiences of over 100 voices of Lived Experience of gambling harms. In addition GamFam were part of a small group that met with Minister Chris Philp and members of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)

Download PDF

For Schools

Our Programmes for Families

Partnership With Parents

GamFam are able to offer free of charge Partnership with Parents presentations or more informal smaller workshop-style sessions. We are happy to tailor our programmes to suit your needs and can offer a bespoke service based on your requirements.

We want to change perception about online gaming and gambling and to provide families with effective strategies to support their child

Early Years and Preparing for 18

Early Years – for families of children in Key Stage 2 and 3 (Up to Year 8). This programme focuses on helping families recognise the early warning signs associated with an online gaming addiction and to offer practical supportive and preventative measures to protect a child from developing a gambling addiction.

Preparing for 18 – for families of children at Key Stage 4 (Up to Year 11) and Key Stage 5 (Years 12 and 13). This builds on the early years programme but with an additional focus on the dangers of underage gambling and offers further strategies for parents/carers when their son/daughter turns 18.

Off To University and Over 18

Off To University – for families of young adults who may be ‘off to university’ within the next year or two. Tens of thousands of students each year are using their loans to gamble in a bid to top up their funds, with many ending up in debt as much as £5,000 or more. This builds on the younger years programmes but with a particular focus on the issues and financial implications faced when turning 18 and potentially living away from home.

Over 18 – for families of those young adults who are at risk or have developed a compulsive gambling disorder. It is crucial that families have strategies to put the barriers in place to support both the gambler and themselves and where to get help

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.