This evaluation report assesses the pilot phase of the non-profit GamCare's Money Guidance Service. The Money Guidance Service is a national initiative in the United Kingdom that offers support specifically to people who have been affected by gambling-related harm. Data for the evaluation came from service user data, and feedback from interest holders collected in workshops and interviews. Interest holders included service users, people with lived experience, GamCare staff, and partner organizations. The service had trained GamCare staff (helpline advisors and gambling support practitioners), provided personalized money guidance, provided information to service users about specialized debt counselling services, and facilitated direct referrals. A Money Guidance Toolkit also provided accessible and practical resources to complement one-to-one sessions, or for people who had yet to engage in a one-to-one session.
It was found that the service was effective as a additional support service to other gambling support services. The Money Guidance Service increases people's understanding of their financial situation using guidance that is specific to gambling-harm. The service also addresses the underlying reasons for financial and debt issues and improves people’s relationship with money. The report authors recommend that the Money Guidance Service be integrated as a permanent part of GamCare's support services. The authors also provide several recommendations to enhance the service's delivery, user engagement, and evaluation approach.
