Raising awareness of regional and national support: ‘Luck of the Draw? Taking Chance Out of Gambling Support for Young People’
The English Gambling Education Hub connects with professionals to show that support is not a regional roulette! Regardless of location, you can go all in with us to find unwavering support across England.
Building on the success of previous events addressing gambling-like activities, the impact of advertising, and mental health issues, this session shifts focus to regional and national prevention efforts and support systems for young people affected by gambling harm. On June 25, 2024, a diverse group of professionals from sectors including education, local authorities and the third sector, gathered online to discuss this national problem. Although the work of the EGEH is coming to an end, the harm young people experience from gambling remains significant. Therefore, we want to make sure you’re connected with the right support and networks to help you carry on this vital work.
The event aimed to enhance knowledge, increase awareness of available support services, foster networking opportunities, and provide information about training programmes.
We welcomed insights from GamCare and its national and regional partners on what is available across England to support professionals and the young people they work with.
The event was enhanced by the voices of our young volunteers from GamCare’s Youth Advisory Board (YAB). The YAB representative was articulate and perceptive in raising the collaborative work that the EGEH and the YAB have produced, including a survey exploring YAB members’ experiences with the EGEH. The survey revealed that 91% of YAB members feel they have benefitted from collaborating with the EGEH. 96% of YAB members feel the EGEH has favourably impacted their opportunities to learn and contribute in the gambling harm space, and 64% of YAB members say they have shared or used information from the EGEH to engage with their peers.
Our diverse group of stakeholders came together to learn about the support available both nationally and regionally for young people affected by gambling harm. This event highlighted the influence of the EGEH in bringing these partners together and the impact these partnerships have had on the success of the EGEH programme. It was crucial to hear from each partner about the contributions the EGEH has made and the products, programmes, and services that will be available after the EGEH concludes.
A summary of each speaker’s message is below:
GamCare’s YPGHPP (Young People Gambling Harm Prevention Programme) is available nationwide – Craig De Vos (Programme Manager)
Having delivered workshops to over 133,000 young people and training for over 28,000 youth-facing professionals, the YPGHPP is the leading provider of gambling harm education for young people. All workshops and training are fully funded, as well as being supported by GamCare’s Young People’s Service; with input from our Youth Advisory Board. You can access this free programme by following this link: BigDeal FREE workshops.
YGAM: Kyle Riding (Head of Programmes, Education Team): YGAM offers training nationwide for those wanting to deliver gambling harm sessions to young people.
Providing free training on preventing gaming and gambling harms to teachers, youth workers, parents and carers, university staff, health and social care practitioners, and faith and community leaders. This training equips them to deliver their own gambling harm prevention sessions with the young people they work with. To learn more, visit the Ygam website.
Aquarius: Rebecca Neville and Kay Matthews (offering support and services within the Midlands area).
Operating across the Midlands, Aquarius has collaborated with stakeholders such as Derby City Council, Nottingham Trent University, and My BNK to address gambling harm support for young people. Discover more about their services and the support available: https://aquarius.org.uk/
NECA: Heather Teasdale (offering support and services within the North East of England region)
Focusing on ensuring the gambling harm agenda stays at the forefront across the region, NECA, who have reached their 50th birthday this year, works together collectively to meet the needs of young people and local communities. To explore this more detail, visit: https://neca.co.uk/
ARA: Kate Hicks (helping people to recover from mental health, drug and alcohol and gambling problems, providing a free service across Wales and the South West of England).
As well as offering support and service within the South West and Wales, Kate focused on gambling harms in the young LGBTQIA+ community and how this community is particularly vulnerable to gambling harms – a topic explored further via an EGEH/ARA event back in April. To find out more about the work that ARA are doing in the South West, visit: https://www.recovery4all.co.uk/
Breakeven: Aimee Mines (offering free support and services for anyone aged 16 and over impacted by gambling harms in the South East and East of England).
Working with a range of communities within these areas, including those from often marginalised communities, such as the Gypsy, Traveller and Roma Community. At the EGEH, we’ve focused on the impact of gambling-like activities in gaming on young people and their families. Aimee focused on parents who are affected others of their children’s gambling-like behaviour in gaming. You can find out more about the services Breakeven offer here: https://www.breakeven.org.uk/
Beacon Counselling Trust: Ian Whiteside and James Callaway (offering help and support with gambling harm in the North West of England).
Promoting a multi-agency approach to support, Beacon have been working with key EGEH partners in the North West to develop connections and resources such as a workplace charter, as well as working with minoritised communities through projects such as ‘Breaking the Sharam’. To discover more about Beacon’s work, visit: https://beaconcounsellingtrust.co.uk/
Throughout the programme, we have uncovered several key insights, with our events creating an ongoing dialogue across England, raising the profile and awareness of the harms impacting young people in this area. Each event has progressively advanced this narrative, building momentum and increasing impact in the field.
The English Gambling Education Network (EGEH) has successfully hosted six events over the past 18 months, covering a wide range of topics and providing a platform for exceptional speakers to share their research, expertise, and recommendations. With over 700 attendees and a robust Network of over 300 organisations committed to combating gambling harm among young people aged 11-25, we have made significant strides. However, the mission continues. The EGEH has been a catalyst for discussion, discovery, and development. Now, we pass the baton to you to build on the strong foundation we have established and continue this important work.
Missed out on this event and want to catch up? Find a recording of our event here.
Against the backdrop of the ongoing Gambling Act Review and impending reform consultations, the English Gambling Education Hub (EGEH) remains committed to advancing discussions that address the unique needs and vulnerabilities of young individuals impacted by gambling harm until 30th September 2024.
Please reach out to GamCare or our partners if you need any support or would like to hear more about how you can engage.
- GamCare: Free support for anyone affected by gambling harms across Great Britain. Call GamCare’s National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020133 or click here for Live Chat.
- GamCare’s YPS: The Young People’s Support Service can support anyone aged 11-25 who is ‘at risk’ or experiencing harm because of gambling.
- GamCare’s YAB: GamCare’s Youth Advisory Board gives young people aged 11-17 the chance to be at the heart of decision making at GamCare.
- Contact us – [email protected]