A service offering specialist therapies for people with a gambling addiction has been launched. The hub in Bristol is the first to be opened by Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (AWP).

The service will offer a range of interventions including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

Chris Gillmore, clinical lead for AWP’s South West Gambling Service said the hub will offer people “the very latest evidence-based treatments and support”.

He added: “Gambling disorder is a common mental health condition that has many negative effects on people’s lives and we are pleased this has been recognised as a national and regional NHS priority”.