A campaign raising awareness of the damage gambling can cause has been launched in Greater Manchester.
Chapter One aims to drive people harmed by gambling to its website (www.chapter-one.org/), which provides aid via a 'thought-provoking' film.
Promoted throughout June and July across the authority, the short film shows four interlinked experiences of gambling harm with the message help exists.
Greater Manchester Police respond to at least one incident a week over serious concerns of suicide as a result of gambling.
James Grimes, head of prevention at Chapter One was addicted to gambling for 12 years.
He said: “We want all 18,100 people harmed by gambling in Greater Manchester to see this campaign and access Chapter One
“Our campaign is designed to cut through the noise to deliver support to everyone who needs it, all while challenging the systemic issues that cause gambling harms.
“One of the keys to my recovery from addiction was the knowledge that gambling can be extremely addictive combined with a positive example of life after gambling.
"Chapter One offers both and I wish I’d seen this when I first struggled.”
The project is a partnership between Gambling with Lives, a charity that supports families bereaved by gambling suicide, and Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
Gambling with Lives says one in 15 people in Greater Manchester are harmed by gambling when the experiences of their children, friends and families are taken into account.
Paul Dennett, deputy mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “Our mission is for Greater Manchester to be a place where no-one experiences gambling-related harms."
Will Halstead, chair of GaMHive, said: "As someone who has been affected by a gambling addiction.
"I can say that with the right advice and support, there is a life after the destruction that gambling can bring."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here