Peer Phone
The Peer Phone offers support and guidance to people with problem gambling and those how affected by gambling. The calls help clarify the situation and offer ways to move forward.
Peer fasilitators – who provide peer support calls in English, Estonian, and German – are former problem gamblers who have personal experience with gambling problems and the journey toward recovery. Fasilitators are provide information, encouragement, and insights into what change requires and what steps to take next.
Look the fasilitators backround!
Choose a time that works for you and book an appointment!
Book a call
The Peer Phone offers short-term guidance, encouragement, and advice. You can have 1–3 calls with the same fasilitators (1 hour per call).
Please note that the appointment booking site is in Finnish.
I spoke on the phone a couple of times with a former gambler who had recovered to discuss a loved one’s gambling problem. It was eye-opening to hear the player’s perspective and experiences on the subject. Talking about it made me feel better.
Respect the volunteer’s time—answer calls or cancel appointments if necessary
Peer support fasilitators are there to support you in their own free time. Please respect the volunteer peer counselor by answering the call during the scheduled time or canceling the call well in advance if your plans change.
Please schedule a call only for yourself—not on behalf of someone else!
If you are having suicidal thoughts or need immediate help, call the general emergency number 112.
You can also schedule an appointment for remote counseling with a crisis counselor from Mieli ry. For more information about Mieli’s crisis counseling, click here.
Meet the Peer Support Fasilitators
You can read about the backgrounds of the peer support counselors who handle the calls in the drop-down menus.
Note: On the booking page, you can choose the counselor who is right for you and with whom you’d like to talk.
Peer counselors in English, Estonian or German
English
Olli ~ 40 years old
I have a long history of gambling behind me. I mainly played sports betting, and to a lesser extent online casinos and slot games. Here are some topics I have personal experience with: debt, challenges in relationships with family members and friends, difficulties in romantic relationships, loss of self-worth, shame, and financial recovery. I’m happy to talk about these topics with both gamblers and their loved ones. With a small twinkle in my eye, I enjoy reflecting together on the meaning of things.
Timo ~65 years old
I am a man who has overcome a severe gambling addiction and has been working as a peer supporter since 2022. In addition to peer support phone calls, I have facilitated groups and worked as a support person. I played poker and slot games at online casinos. If you wish, I can tell you how I personally overcame my gambling addiction. It worked for me — why wouldn’t it work for you too? So don’t worry alone; book a call with confidence, and let’s start working through the problem together.
Estonian
Liana, umbes 40-aastane
Hasartmängud võtsid minult kunagi kogu mu aja, raha ja peaaegu ka kodu. Mängisin peamiselt online-kasiinodes mänguautomaate. Mängimise tagajärjel langesin depressiooni ja kaotasin elurõõmu. Räägin meeleldi sinuga mängimise põhjustest, hetkeemotsioonidest ning sellest, kuidas hakata looma mänguvaba igapäevaelu.
German
Timo, ein etwa 65-jähriger
Ich bin ein Mann, der eine schwere Glücksspielsucht überwunden hat und seit 2022 als Peer-Supporter tätig ist. Neben dem Peer-Telefon habe ich auch Gruppen geleitet und als Unterstützungsperson gearbeitet. Ich habe Poker und Slots in Online-Casinos gespielt. Auf Wunsch erzähle ich dir, wie ich meine Glücksspielsucht selbst überwunden habe. Es ist mir gelungen – warum sollte es dir nicht auch gelingen? Mach dir also keine Sorgen allein, sondern buche mutig ein Gespräch, und wir beginnen gemeinsam, das Problem anzugehen
A Call Tailored to Your Needs
During a peer support call, you can discuss, in confidence, exactly the topics on which you need support and empowering perspectives.
Calls with gamblers often address conflicting thoughts and feelings related to gaming and quitting, as well as the challenges of change.
Calls with affected others often focus on supporting and holding the gambler accountable, setting personal boundaries, managing stress, and improving communication. Issues related to relationships, financial matters, and support are addressed in both types of calls.
When booking your appointment, please let us know if you’ll be bringing your loved one along to the call.
Any questions? Please contact us.
Petri Kauhanen
Coordinator
petri.kauhanen@sosped.fi | 040 055 0101
Contacts on weekdays between 9 AM and 5 PM