The UK gambling support charity GamCare has detailed a 6% increase in the number of women accessing gambling support in the UK over the last year.

The charity, which trains healthcare organisations, feels its GamCare Women’s Programme is likely to have positively contributed to increased numbers of women coming forward for support.

With up to one million women at risk of gambling harm in the UK, GamCare feels it is vital women have access to support. The charity cites claims that women may be disproportionately affected by gambling-related harms, including financial, relationship and mental health issues.

An independent evaluation report produced by inFocus Consulting found that 85% of GamCare Women’s Programme participants improved their understanding of gambling-related harm.