People in the North East struggling with gambling urged to seek support
It comes as the Grand National takes place today
People in the North East and Teesside are being urged to seek help for unhealthy gambling habits as the Grand National gets underway today.
It comes nearly 5,000 calls and online chats were made across January to the National Gambling Helpline in the UK - the highest since it opened.
Laura Oselton, Gambling Manager at the charity NECA in the North East, said: "Please reach out to someone; that could be a friend, a family member, a GP or a gambling support service.
"We've seen an increase in referrals locally and nationally. We're doing a lot of work with local communities to raise awareness of gambling harms and support available.
"If people do feel like they are struggling, please contact someone and seek support if you need it. Try and get people to talk more openly about the gambling and gambling harms and always ensure that they don't bet more than they can afford to lose.
"People don't have to do it in isolation or feel like they need to do it on their own. There is support out there, having that person to talk to and go through things if they have struggles so they can get that support for their needs."