New Year And New Look For GamCare

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Monday, January 14, 2008 mgowanbo.cc

Office moves and refreshed corporate and brand identities for problem gambling counsellor

The British authority on problem gambling and provider of help, support and counselling services to problem gamblers, Gamcare, has started 2008 in new premises in South London, close to comprehensive transport networks which make the office easily accessible.

The organisation has also undertaken a review of its brand and associated literature with a view to updating its look and feel at the end of its tenth year of operations.  The new literature includes crisply designed leaflets for callers to the GamCare Helpline (0845 6000 133), and redesigned leaflets and posters for gaming operators to display in their premises.  The rebranding has resulted in GamCare achieving a more cohesive and up to date look, which included refreshing its distinctive logo.  The bold, two colour approach adopted in its new literature will minimise print costs going forward.

The needs of callers to the GamCare Helpline (0845 6000 133) will continue to be assessed by highly trained Helpline advisers and appropriate leaflets will be sent out.  Helpline leaflets include information on Dealing with Debt, A Guide to Help and Support for Problem Gamblers, A Guide to Remote Gambling, A Guide to Help and Support for Women Gamblers and A Guide for Family and Friends of Problem Gamblers.  Each leaflet contains details of relevant agencies, in addition to GamCare, where individuals may access the help and support specific to their circumstances.

The Gambling Act came into force on 1 September 2007.  A requirement of the Act is that all gaming operators display leaflets and posters describing the services provided by GamCare and how individuals might identify their gambling problem and that of a friend or relative.  GamCare’s new leaflets and posters are available to all gaming operators who do not produce their own literature.  Operators may purchase such literature by calling GamCare’s head office on 020 7801 7000.

The rebranding has also resulted in a major revamp of GamCare’s website.  The new website (www.gamcare.org.uk) reflects the new identity and serves as an easily accessible portal to GamCare’s services.  In addition to providing a confidential Helpline throughout the UK, GamCare offers a range of help online.  These services provide emotional support, advice, information and referral for people experiencing problems with their gambling and family and friends affected by gambling.  Online services include a Netline, an internet-based helpline, at www.gamcare.org.uk/netline, and an online peer to peer support forum for members.  GamCare is also trialing an internet-based one on one counselling service, which will be launched fully in the Spring of this year.

Geoffrey Godbold, Chief Executive of GamCare, said: “2007 was an eventful year, culminating in our move to new premises at the end of the year.  Our new offices and suite of counselling rooms will enable us to continue to expand the vital services we offer to problem gamblers and their friends and relatives.  Easily accessible, the Clapham premises have been designed to enable us to absorb a significant uplift in Helpline, Netline and counselling activity."