As Christmas approaches, many of us are filled with excitement and joy, celebrating with loved ones and festivities. However, for those experiencing gambling harm, the festive season can bring an additional weight of financial stress, debt, isolation and anxiety. Local charities Ara Recovery for All and Citizens Advice Plymouth shine a light on the help that is available for anyone who is impacted by gambling.

If you’re in this position, you’re not alone. Last year, Ara delivered information, advice and guidance on gambling harm to over 11,000 people across the South West and Wales. However, these figures may not represent the full picture due to those who are not currently seeking support – including those who don’t realise they’re gambling in a way that is causing them harm.

Kai, Community Engagement Lead at Ara, highlights how easy it can be for gambling to spiral from harmless entertainment into something destructive: “For me, gambling started out as something fun, a way to dream of a better life. But I soon found myself trapped by it. For almost 30 years, gambling ran my life, creating a path of secrecy, debt and hopelessness.”

Despite holding two steady jobs, Kai found himself drowning in debt. Payday loans with huge interest rates and unpaid bills became his constant companions. He was caught in a relentless cycle: when finances fell short, the only solution seemed to be gambling more, hoping to win enough to cover the gap. Christmas, a time of increased financial pressures, was particularly stressful. This cycle led to ever greater losses, deeper debt, and increased despair: “I lived in constant fear. I couldn’t open letters or answer the phone, afraid that every knock at the door could be the bailiffs. My mental health deteriorated as I isolated myself, unable to talk to family, friends, or even work.” The mental health impacts of gambling cannot be underestimated: research shows that harmful gamblers are 15 times more at risk of suicide. 

Kai’s story has a happy ending – he managed to reach out for help and rebuild his life. He describes his first conversation with a gambling support charity as ‘life changing’. From there, he contacted his local Citizens Advice for debt and financial advice. He encourages anyone who may be struggling with gambling or financial difficulties to seek support. “If you’re in a situation like this, please don’t suffer in silence. Help is available – reach out today and take the first step toward recovery.” 

Ara offers advice, support, one-to-one counselling, CBT based workshops and recovery management sessions to anyone impacted by gambling across the South West and Wales. This includes those who are affected by another person’s gambling. Elkan, one of Ara’s first Community Connectors, shares his story as an Affected Other: “Gambling didn’t just affect my father; it affected all of us. It cast a shadow over my childhood and still impacts my family today. It’s a destructive force that can tear families apart, leaving emotional scars that last a lifetime.”

Like Kai, Elkan describes Christmas as a particularly challenging time: “My mother worked tirelessly to make Christmas special, decorating the house and saving all year for gifts and food. At the time, I didn’t understand why our presents felt so modest compared to others, but I now realise she carried the entire emotional and financial burden alone, doing her best to shield us from the strain caused by my father’s gambling.”

If you’re finding it difficult to make ends meet, your local Citizens Advice offers support with debt and other financial issues. Citizens Advice Plymouth CEO, Emma Handley, says: “We know that household budgets are under even more pressure during the festive period, and we want you to know that we’re here for you. We can advise you on ways to increase your income, reduce your spending on household bills, and help you to find a way forward with your debt, so you can enjoy this festive season without worry.”

Contact Ara Recovery for All

Phone: 0330 1340 286
Email: aragamblingservice@recovery4all.co.uk
Website: www.recovery4all.co.uk/gambling-harms-services

Contact Citizens Advice

Find your local Citizens Advice office or find other ways to get in touch: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/