FREE help is being offered to people in North Yorkshire whose lives are being affected by a gambling addiction.

GamCare, a registered charity and the leading national provider of advice, support and treatment for problem gamblers, is delivering free face-to-face counselling in Northallerton.

The counselling sessions are being delivered in partnership with Hambleton and Richmondshire Community Action Services (Harcas).

People who think they may have a gambling problem, or the beginnings of one, are urged to get in touch with Harcas or GamCare.

They will receive free, confidential, one-to-one support and be shown how to arrange counselling.

Counselling sessions for patients in North Yorkshire will be held at the headquarters of Harcas, in South Parade, Northallerton.

Anyone hesitant about talking to an advisor directly can visit the online self-help forum and chat rooms - at gamcare.org.uk - for understanding, sharing experiences and support.

Although GamCare is a national source for addicted gamblers, it will make referrals to Harcas for local people with gambling issues.

A spokesman for GamCare said: "Anyone who has experienced the adrenalin rush associated with winning will begin to have some understanding of what drives some people to keep gambling.

"Rather than an enjoyable way to spend spare time and cash, gambling can become a preoccupation. "Debt, obtaining money dishonestly and hiding the extent of gambling might follow.

"All too easily, the situation can spiral out of control and repercussions on the entire family can be devastating.

"When it comes to a crisis point, the gambler, and the family, may not know where to turn.

"Gambling is exciting and fun for the majority of people, but for some of us, it can become a problem. "For anyone affected by problem gambling, professional help will be available in Hambleton, Richmondshire and the surrounding areas.

"Advisors know about all the options available and can help in making the right choice to help you, whether you think you might have a gambling problem yourself, or you are concerned about someone else’s gambling.

"Harcas’ face to face counsellors have been trained by GamCare and are specialists in problem gambling."

Ruth Garrett, manager of Harcas, said helping with gambling addiction was a new venture for the group.

She said: "When Harcas was set up, about 23 years ago, it was solely for people with alcohol abuse issues.

"Harcas was later changed to include drug problems.

"When you scratch away the layers of dependency, there is usually two or three other addictive behaviours underneath.

"If people are addicted to drugs or alcohol, chances are they could get addicted to sex and relationships, or gambling, for example."

For information about the signs of problem gambling and how GamCare can help, write to Harcas, 85 South Parade, Northallerton, North Yorkshire DL7 8SJ, call 01609-780486 or email admin@harcas.co.uk GamCare’s advice helpline is on 0845-6000-133.