GamFam
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| Category | Support community |
|---|---|
| Founded | October 11, 2019 |
| Address | Suffolk, UK |
| Official website | https://gamfam.org.uk |
| Help and Support | |
| Help & Support settings | Online, One-to-one, Group session |
| Helpline hours | Responds within 24 hours (no 24/7 helpline) |
| Helpline number | 07932077585 |
| [email protected] | |
| Social Media | |
| Visit | |
| Visit | |
| X (Twitter) | Visit |
| Last Updated | 20.03.2026 |
GamFam is a UK-registered charity (No. 1191139) that supports individuals experiencing gambling-related harms, as well as their affected family and friends.[1]
What is GamFan
GamFam is an independent charity established by individuals with lived experience of gambling addiction. Founded in 2019, the organization provides a safe space and structured programs to help people recover from the devastating effects of gambling, serving both direct victims of gambling disorders and their support networks.
Its core offering is the GRA5P (GamFam Recovery and Support Programme) - a structured 5-stage self-help peer support programme, originally designed to support those affected by someone else's gambling, later expanded to support those directly in recovery.[2]
Meetings are hosted by trained GamFam facilitators and usually have between 6 to 10 members, with the option of 1-to-1 peer support if required. All meetings run remotely via Zoom.
Role in the industry
GamFam operates within the addiction recovery and education sector. Its primary role is providing lived-experience peer support and raising public awareness about the early warning signs of gambling disorders. The charity also focuses on early intervention by educating school communities about the risks of transitioning from online gaming to gambling.
History and Reach
Steve Watts founded the charity in 2019 after his son's gaming addiction escalated into a compulsive gambling disorder. GamFam officially registered with the UK Charity Commission in November 2020. Because all peer support meetings are hosted remotely via Zoom, the charity operates without geographical barriers, supporting individuals across the UK and internationally.[3]
Support Options
GamFam provides support through several structured avenues:
| Support Option | Description |
|---|---|
| GRA5P | The GamFam Recovery and Support Programme is a 5-stage self-help peer support program[4] |
| Group Meetings | Remote Zoom meetings hosted by trained facilitators, typically consisting of 6 to 10 members |
| 1-to-1 Support | Individual peer support options for those requiring specialized attention |
| School Programs | Tailored educational sessions delivered in schools to warn about online gaming and gambling[5] |
GamLearn alternatives
| Community | Country | Help for Problem Gambling |
|---|---|---|
| Gam-Anon | Global | Find a meeting |
| Gamblers Anonymous (GA) | Global | Find a meeting |
| SMART Recovery | Global | Find a meeting |
| GambleAware | UK | Find local support |
| GamCare | UK | Find local support |
| Evive | UK | Find support |
| GamLEARN | UK | Get justice support |
| Gambling with Lives | UK | Get help |
| Betknowmore (BKM) | UK | Get help |
| Adferiad Recovery | UK | Get help |
| Gordon Moody Association | UK | Get help |
| EPIC Restart Foundation | UK | Get help |
| Breakeven | UK | Find support group |
| Ara Recovery for All | UK | Get help |
| Aquarius | UK | Get help |
| GamblingCare | IE | Get help |