If gambling is starting to worry you, you don’t need to wait until things fall apart before asking for help. That’s the message from First Person Project CIC, a local service supporting anyone affected by gambling harms, and it’s one we want to share.
Gambling can affect anyone
Gambling harm isn’t just about how much money someone has lost. It can show up in mental health, relationships, sleep, work, housing and confidence. It often has more to do with coping than with willpower. People turn to gambling to manage stress, loneliness or difficult emotions, and over time that coping strategy can start to cause harm of its own.
You don’t need to identify as having an addiction to benefit from support. You don’t need to be in debt. If gambling is on your mind more than you’d like, that’s a good enough reason to reach out.
What First Person Project offers
First Person Project provides compassionate, confidential, non-judgemental support for anyone experiencing gambling-related harm, including family members and loved ones affected by someone else’s gambling.
Support is built around the individual, not a fixed programme. Depending on what’s needed, that can include:
- One-to-one support
- Recovery coaching
- Counselling
- Family support
- Recovery groups
- Practical support with debt, housing, benefits and employment
How it works
Getting started is simple. Someone can refer themselves, or a friend, family member or professional can refer on their behalf. From there:
- An initial conversation, to understand what’s happening and talk through how First Person Project can help
- A personalised support plan, built around individual goals rather than a one-size-fits-all approach
- Ongoing support throughout recovery, for as long as it’s needed
Recovery is possible
Whether gambling has been a concern for a few weeks or a few years, things can change. First Person Project’s message is straightforward: recovery starts with a conversation, and they’re there when someone’s ready to have it.
Last Updated on 18 September 2026