A new gambling treatment clinic will be opening in Milton Keynes later this summer.
A brand new facility opening in Westcroft, will be one of seven opening over the UK this summer as the NHS expands the support available for people experiencing gambling addictions.
Cognitive behavioural therapy, family therapy, support groups and aftercare will be used to support those in need. Teams will include psychologists, therapists, psychiatrists, mental health nurses and peer-support workers.
The news comes as it has been revealed that a record number of people sought help for gambling addiction in England.
Sky News yesterday reported that 1,389 patients were referred for help last year, compared with 1,013 in the previous 12 months and 775 two years ago.
The NHS is now extending the help that is on offer as a result of the rise, with new clinics being set up in Thurrock, Bristol, Derby, Liverpool, Blackpool and Sheffield, as well as MK.
Health Minister Neil O’Brien said: “The stark rise in the number of people seeking NHS treatment for gambling-related harms shows the devastating impact it can have on people’s lives and health. These new clinics will bring vital support to more parts of the country, so thousands more people can get the help they need.
"We have taken firm action to tackle gambling-related harms through our White Paper, which includes our commitment to introduce a statutory levy so gambling companies pay their fair share towards the costs of treatment services.”
Amanda Pritchard. NHS England Chief Executive, added: “In 1948 when the NHS was founded, you had to go to a bookies to place a bet, but now people can gamble on their phone at the touch of a button and everyone, young and old, is bombarded with adverts encouraging them to take part.
“Record numbers of people are coming to the NHS for help to treat their gambling addiction, a cruel disease which has the power to destroy people’s lives, with referrals up by more than a third compared to last year.
“As it has done since 1948, the NHS is responding at speed and rolling out seven new gambling harms clinics across England, so that even more people can be supported by the NHS in their time of need.”
Iain Stewart, the MP for Milton Keynes South, said: “I am pleased that the NHS continues to invest in Milton Keynes and expand the range of services available to residents, particularly to address the mental health impact that addictions can have on the patient and their family.”
Ben Everitt, the MP for Milton Keynes North, commented: "A gambling addiction can have a terrible impact on the lives of those with the addiction and the people close to them so I'm delighted the Government is investing in a new treatment clinic right here in Milton Keynes.
"Eight gambling harms clinics are already open across the country and are making a difference to people's lives and I welcome the Government's plans to to tackle gambling related harms in the recently published White Paper."
The NHS plans to treat up to 3,000 patients a year across the 15 clinics, fulfilling its Long Term Plan commitment six months ahead of schedule.
Around 138,000 people could be problem gambling according to Gambling Commission figures, with around a further 1.3 million people engaging in either moderate or low-risk gambling. Around 1,400 patients were referred for help last year.
One patient who received help from the Northern Gambling Harms Service, said: “Gambling addiction took over my life to the extent I was suicidal and relationships with my family and friends had broken down. Engaging with NHS services has helped me get control of my life back and I’m rebuilding trust with my family and friends, once again having happy and healthy relationships with people close to me.”
