Contacting GamCare felt a huge step. I had no idea how to start the conversation and I mulled over this for days. Finally, I took the plunge and it was the most important step I could have taken. The Adviser talked to me like an equal and instantly put me at ease. They made me feel that I …

"I’d always been a gambler, mainly focussed around betting on horses and football. Then I began to play blackjack – I had a ‘system’ and I thought it would be an easy way to make money. Although I was successful, I had some very close calls and I was betting large amounts.” After a …

John, 37, Manchester

“It gives you the stonewall you need, that you’ve got to have in order to stop and then you can start doing the work on why you did it and what the real problems are behind it."

"At the moment, knowing that there are a couple of measures in place, just in my head, it gives me the block to say, 'You can't gamble.”

The YAB is a safe environment where young people have discussions about gambling-related harm such as how we can actively prevent and support those involved. I am proud to be part of the YAB as our sessions revolve around making changes and improving society.

The first thing I would say is that for anyone looking for help, you are not alone. There are organisations like GamCare, Gamban and GAMSTOP, that have great tools and people to help get you through the tough times.