London, 31 January 2024: Ygam has celebrated the start of its milestone 10th anniversary year with an outpour of support from Parliamentarians, charity leaders and academics.
In the last decade, Ygam has solidified its position as a prominent leader in the gaming and gambling harm prevention sector. Since 2014, Ygam’s portfolio of evidence-based programmes, has reached over 3 million children and young people. Over 17,000 delegates have been trained by Ygam, including over 11,000 teachers. Throughout this period, the charity has maximised its impact and influence by collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders.
Gambling Minister, Rt Hon. Stuart Andrew MP, led the messages of support for Ygam, saying “Our gambling white paper proposes a number of significant steps to protect young people from gambling harm, including consulting on lower thresholds for financial risk checks and a lower online slot stake limit for 18-24-year-olds.
“These measures are on top of robust age verification controls for online gambling, and a ban on sportspeople and celebrities with strong appeal for children from appearing in gambling adverts.
“I congratulate Ygam on their 10th anniversary and we will continue to work closely together with them to prevent young people from gambling harm.”
Stephanie Peacock MP, Shadow Minister for Media, Gambling and Sport, also congratulated Ygam on its decade of impact, saying “Over the last decade, the landscape for gaming and gambling has changed dramatically. Gone are the days when you had to walk to the bookies to place a bet, casinos are now available in our pockets.
“Amidst this change, organisations like Ygam have been doing crucial, proactive work – raising awareness, conducting research, and educating young people – so that future generations can be better protected from gambling harm.
“I thank Ygam for their preventative work and look forward to working with them going forward in our shared commitment to address youth gambling harm.”
Rt Hon Dame Rosie Winterton DBE, MP for Doncaster Central, played pivotal role is supporting Ygam’s founders to establish the charity in 2014. The Deputy Speaker said, “It is remarkable to think that it was ten years ago when my constituents, Anne and Keith Evans, turned the tragedy of their son Alan Lockhart’s suicide following years of gambling addiction into a beacon of hope and avenue for change with the founding of Ygam. Over the past decade, I have seen Ygam grow and witnessed first-hand the fantastic work they do in order to reduce gambling harms through their various tailored programmes. The teaching materials Ygam provides for teachers and schools, for community and faith leaders, and for gambling operators, sees to it that more people are aware of the dangers of problem gambling, can more easily identify those who are at risk, and can therefore seek help in a timely fashion.
“Ygam have doubtlessly aided the lives of countless people, particularly young people, by allowing them to see the warning signs of gambling addiction and give them the tools to intervene. Ygam has grown and changed much over the intervening years, however those core values established in its founding in 2014 still shines through to this day.”
Beyond the walls of Parliament, a multitude of stakeholders and partners have demonstrated their support for this anniversary achievement.
“I am delighted to support Ygam celebrate its first decade as a charity. Like PAPYRUS, founded by parents who lost a young person to suicide, Ygam is justly proud of its achievements, turning tragedy to hope. I have attended some of the excellent training provided and hope that we can do more together in the years ahead to raise awareness of gaming and gambling harms and, more broadly, to prevent suicide. Congratulations to Ygam. Together we can help to save young lives.”
Ged Flynn, Chief Executive Officer at PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide
“Congratulations to Ygam on reaching such an important milestone. Protecting young people from gambling related harms remains a critical priority for society that continues to require work.”
Vicki Shotbolt, Chief Executive Officer, Parent Zone
“Gambling harms is a serious public health issue and Ygam plays a valuable role in working to protect young people and children from gambling harm. I congratulate them on their decade of hard work to address this important issue.”
Zoë Osmond, Chief Executive Officer, GambleAware
“Over the past decade, Ygam has grown into a leader in the gaming and gambling harms sector. The team’s dedication to safeguarding children and young adults leaves a lasting impact on the lives they touch every single day. Your ambitious plans for 2024 and beyond will help Ygam reach even more young people in the ever-growing digital world.
“Gordon Moody is incredibly proud to work alongside Ygam and we send your team congratulations and best wishes for your tenth anniversary. 2024 will be a pivotal year for the gambling harms third sector and we look forward to working closely with the Ygam team on our shared commitment to preventing gambling harms as we navigate the changing landscape.”
Monica Shafaq, Chief Executive Officer, Gordon Moody
“GamCare is proud to have been a partner with Ygam in their decade of growth and achievement – making a huge difference to gambling harms education and prevention. Their clear focus on safeguarding the next generation has ensured thousands of professionals and parents receive information to safeguard children and young people from gambling harm. We look forward to collaborating over the coming years in our shared mission to support anyone affected by gambling.”
Margot Daly, Chair, GamCare
“Congratulations to Ygam in reaching their 10 year anniversary! As a long time collaborator – from start up to present day – we recognise the impact that the charity has brought to the gambling education and training space, always looking to provide high value and innovative services in the pursuit of prevention and reduction of gambling harms.”
Frankie Graham, Chief Executive Officer, Betknowmore UK
“Congratulations to the team at Ygam for reaching this important milestone. We believe that Ygam’s work to educate young people about gaming and gambling is paramount to the reduction of gambling-related harm and the stigma attached to it. We have thoroughly enjoyed working with Ygam over the years, with the university tour collaboration being a particular highlight. Congratulations on 10 years of much needed and truly impactful work.”
Fiona Palmer, Chief Executive Officer, GAMSTOP
“Congratulations on 10 years of work helping to address gambling harms amongst children and young people. It has been a pleasure working with the team over the past few years. Wishing you well for the next 10 years.”
Professor Agnes Nairn, Co-Director of Bristol Hub for Gambling Harms Research
The milestone year will be marked through a series of special events, campaigns, and announcements.
You can stay informed of further announcements and updates by following Ygam on social media.
