Children and Families is an independent information portal about support for families and children affected by someone's gambling. We bring together practical guidance, clear explanations and signposts to help on a subject that affects many households but is rarely talked about openly.
What this site covers
We write about the effects of gambling harm on families and children – how to recognise what's happening, how to talk about it, and where to find support. Our guides explore what gambling addiction looks like from a family's perspective, how to spot the warning signs, and what self-exclusion and other protective tools actually do. We also cover the practical side: how to read a bank statement for signs of hidden gambling, what withdrawal looks like, and how to support someone through it.
We publish articles on topics people search for when they're worried – whether about a partner, a parent, a teenager or themselves. For example, our guide to signs of a gambling problem helps you recognise patterns you might have noticed, and our article on what gambling harm is explains how it reaches beyond the person gambling.
Who this is for
This site is for people in the UK who are affected by someone else's gambling, or by their own. You might be a parent worried about a child's online behaviour, a partner noticing changes in someone you're close to, or someone concerned about your own relationship with gambling. You might be looking for language to start a difficult conversation, or you might be in crisis and need help now.
Whatever brings you here, we assume you're looking for straightforward information – not judgment, not false hope, and not pressure.
How we build a guide
Our articles start with real questions: what people actually search for when they're worried, confused or in distress. We then check the answers against public sources – guidance from help organisations, information from regulators, and evidence about how gambling harm works. We write everything in plain language, without jargon, because this subject is hard enough without technical terms getting in the way.
When something changes – a new tool becomes available, a support service updates its approach – we update the guide. We also correct mistakes when readers spot them.
What we don't do
We don't give personal advice. We don't diagnose, recommend a specific course of action for your situation, or replace talking to a professional. We don't sell any goods or services, and we don't rank support organisations or claim one is better than another.
We're independent. We're not linked to any gambling site, operator or bookmaker, and we don't profit from gambling.
Get in touch
If you have a question about something on the site, spot an error, or want to suggest a topic we should cover, email us at [email protected]. We aim to reply within 48 hours. We can't give personal advice by email, but we can clarify what we've written and point you towards the right support if you're in crisis.