"Problem gambling can be isolating for everyone involved- especially those trying to help their loved ones and suffering alongside them. This group gave me one of the most important outlets at the most difficult period of time in my life. It allowed me to see how widespread the problem is and helped me to know that I was far from alone. It was, and continues to be, without a doubt, one of the most invaluable tools in my progress forward. I am so grateful for it."

"The first time I contacted the helpline and then spoke to people at NECA everything was a jumble, but over the weeks everything became clearer and a lot of good came out of it all, it was a massive help."

“The support from NECA in both counselling and the group meeting have been incredible. I have worked through my emotions at my own pace, never feeling judges or shamed. In the groups I have found solace simply because others know how I feel and have been through the same as me. I have managed to forgive others because of the understanding and knowledge I have gained from NECA. A huge thank you to everyone involved.”

“I feel before I came across NECA, I was going through a very tough time for nearly a year. I wasn’t sure who to turn to and what to do as this experience of having someone gambling or addicted to gaming was new to me. I saw a change in behaviour, slightly aggressive attitude and deterioration of my sons mental health as he started to gamble.”

“I felt shattered inside, my heart was in pieces and I was constantly tearful. I couldn’t get my son to agree to join any services or see the GP. There was nothing I felt I could do. I came across NECA by a family member and decided to give them a call. The whole process felt so easy and not overwhelming with forms or procedures that can make you avoid joining services when feeling overwhelmed.”

“It felt so uplifting to have someone just listen to what I was going through, Carol the practitioner and Chris were both great. I was at the most lowest point I have ever been in my life not being able to talk about what I was going through. I believe the one to one support and the group sessions have encouraged me to talk about what is happening, listen to other people’s situations and take on suggestions and advise from the practitioner or clients attending the groups.

I feel much stronger to be able to deal with some of the challenges I face and feel there is always something new that I am able to learn or take from the sessions. The sessions are with like-minded people who are very caring, understanding, non-judgemental and able to give constructive advice. I am really grateful for the support available.”

“Carol is a great facilitator, listener, counsellor and advisor. I had struggled to come to terms with what had happened to me. What my CG had done, but by talking through with others it has lightened my load. I don't attend sessions weekly now, but I do attend when I can. I also know that there is always someone at the end of the phone if I am struggling or if I need advice. This service is vital to help families move forward with their lives.”

“I chose to attend the counselling group which is provided by NECA, a gambling service. The group is attended by a people in similar situations to me, their partners or children have serious gambling issues. The group is led by a very experienced and knowledgeable person. The group has shown me what preventable measures are available to help gamblers. The charitable organisation Step Change who advise people who are struggling to pay off their debts. How to exclude yourself from Betting Shop. How to block access to Gambling Sites on the internet. Plus much more. The group provides much support to each other with their individual problems. Giving lots of help and ideas. I have benefitted gratefully from the help the councillor and the team have helped me through a very stressful time in my life. Thanks.”

"I was referred to NECA after completing the Gamcare programme. I found my sessions to be very useful because they allowed me to continue to address why I was gambling and gave me encouragement to look at how to avoid relapsing. These sessions have been more like a chat between friends than formal therapy and this has meant that I felt no pressure or anxiety about taking part. The whole process has been beneficial and very useful.”

“I am a 39 year old male who has recently come to NECA to help me overcome a 10 year battle with gambling addiction and I found there service exceptional as for the first time I feel I can actually be done with this habit and have seen great progress not just in Stopping gambling but learning a lot about myself and how I can change my mindset. Also learn how better to react to certain events in my life. I would recommend NECA to anyone in a similar position to myself but what I will say is you only get out of it what you put into yourself and you must be wanting to change. Thankyou Carol /NECA keep up the great work.”

“My worker was really attentive, supportive and gave some really good advice and I appreciate it”

“I can’t thank my worker enough for everything she has done. All of the information & support, you can tell that she genuinely cares. We need more of her in the world. Thanks again for all of your help and advice.”

“I want to thank you so much. You don’t realise how much the phone calls helped me, just being able to talk to someone about the bad things around my sons gambling. It helped me process what was going on and decide what to do for the best”

“I couldn't have done it without you, you literally saved my life at times. Just them chats, even over the phone. Sometimes it’s nice to have that 10 minutes to let your barriers down and open up about it all, to somebody who understands. Thank you so much, you're amazing at what you do”

“Talking to somebody helped me a lot, lifted a massive weight off my shoulders”