A quarter of a million pound funding package spread across the next two years will offer support to people experiencing health problems linked to gambling.

The programme, which has been secured for 2026 and 2027, has been awarded to Islington Council to address gambling-related health inequalities across north central London. The initiative will operate in partnership with Camden, Hackney, Haringey and Barnet, alongside Thrive London and Mind in Haringey.

This two-year scheme will include a new partnership focused on prevention, research to evaluate the extent and impact of gambling-related harm, an awareness campaign timed with the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and guidance materials on best practices for councils and partner organisations.

Cllr Dr Sara Hyde, the council’s lead councillor for health and social care, said gambling-related harm is hitting those already under the most pressure hardest, which makes this programme so important.

By working together across London, the council can more effectively challenge the tactics used by the gambling industry, raise awareness of the risks, and make sure people get help when they need it. This partnership marks a significant step forward in tackling gambling-related harms and creating a healthier, fairer future for communities.

People with existing mental health difficulties and those facing financial hardship are particularly susceptible to problem gambling.

Islington Council has been at the forefront of addressing this issue, with Dr Hyde chairing the London Gambling Harms Action Group, which now has support from 17 boroughs.

Since the start of 2025, the council has delivered over 1,400 short interventions, run 63 support hub meetings, and helped more than 1,800 residents through its partnership with the gambling addiction charity BetKnowMore.

The GOALS (Gambling Outreach and Living Support) team has also taken part in major community events to offer advice and support.

One resident, who requested anonymity, said the support had been transformative. They said they wanted to offer heartfelt thanks to those who had helped them through recent months.

The team understands what people are going through and genuinely cares. Knowing they were not alone and having someone to talk to made all the difference.

The partnership plans to create a framework and toolkit for reducing gambling-related harms that can be rolled out across the country.