New partnership to tackle gambling harms across North Central London
Source: Haringey Council, 6 March 2026
The NCL Tackling Gambling Harms Coalition is led by Mind in Haringey. It brings together the boroughs of Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey and Islington. This two-year project is designed to provide a coordinated response to what is now recognised as a public health concern.
Harmful gambling is a complex problem and has a profound impact on the region. In the five boroughs alone, the estimated cost is £54.5 million every year, for example healthcare costs and the impact on affected families and local communities.
The human cost is even higher. Adults experiencing gambling harms are at least twice as likely to consider or die by suicide. These harms ripple through families, friends and workplaces.
The funding was awarded by Greo Evidence Insights through the Network to Reduce Gambling Harms’ Community Investment Programme, following an open and competitive peer-review process. The successful bid was praised by funders for its potential to make a significant community impact in the region.
A coordinated response
Current efforts to help are often fragmented. The new coalition will create a unified approach across the region’s 1.8 million residents. Key activities include expanding a successful screening tool to help staff in councils, the NHS and community groups spot the signs of gambling harms early. The coalition will also launch a campaign during the 2026 FIFA World Cup to highlight the risks of gambling products and the tactics used by the industry.
Work will focus on those most at risk, including men aged 18 to 40 and families and young people in areas of higher deprivation who are often targeted by gambling companies. Partners will also share best practices to challenge the opening of new gambling premises in vulnerable neighbourhoods.
Lynette Charles, CEO of Mind in Haringey, said: “Mind in Haringey is proud to lead this coalition. Our deep roots in the community show us that mental health and gambling harms are closely linked. This funding allows us to move beyond individual borough boundaries. By working together, we can ensure that anyone in North Central London who is struggling has a clear path to the right support at the right time.”
Hear from the partners
Councillor Barry Rawlings, Leader of Barnet Council, said: “Gambling harm is often a hidden driver of financial crisis. This partnership will help our frontline teams identify people who are struggling with gambling-related debt much earlier, allowing us to offer the financial and emotional support they need to rebuild their lives.”
Councillor Camron Aref-Adib, Cabinet Member for Finance and Cost of Living at Camden Council, said: “Our high streets should be safe spaces for everyone. By sharing expertise across the five boroughs, we can better use our licensing powers to protect our residents and challenge the high density of gambling venues in our most vulnerable areas.”
Cllr Alev Cazimoglu, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care at Enfield Council said: “Early intervention is vital. We are excited to explore how we can roll out the screening tools piloted in Enfield across North London. This means more professionals will have the confidence to start a conversation about gambling and provide a bridge to help.”
Councillor Lucia das Neves, Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Wellbeing at Haringey Council, said: “In Haringey, we are focused on the link between mental health and the impact of harmful gambling products. This coalition enables us to co-produce support directly with our residents. By working together across North Central London, we can better protect those at risk and ensure that help is available long before a person reaches a point of crisis.”
Councillor Dr Sara Hyde, Executive Member for Health and Social Care at Islington Council, said: “To tackle this issue effectively, we must understand the true scale of the challenge. Our ongoing work continues to build a strong evidence base to show exactly where support is needed most, ensuring our services are designed around the real experiences of our residents.”
Dan Barrett, Thrive LDN director, said: “The 2026 World Cup will be a period of intense gambling advertising. Through this coalition, Thrive LDN is looking forward to working with partners to launch a disruptive campaign to counteract those pressures. We want to reduce the stigma of asking for help and remind Londoners that reaching out is a sign of strength.”
Mike Parker, director of Progress Health Partnerships (PHP), who will act as the Coalition’s evaluation lead, added: “To create lasting change, we must rigorously evaluate what works. We are excited to be playing a part to help co-produce an evidence framework that tracks the real-world impact of screening tools and campaigns. By capturing these insights, we can ensure this project provides a clear, proven blueprint for other regions.”
Looking ahead
The project is now underway following the recruitment of a dedicated coordinator. By the end of the two-year programme, the coalition aims to create a proven model and reducing gambling harms toolkit that can be shared with other regions across the country.