Three organisations working to reduce gambling-related harms have joined forces for a university tour that aims to raise awareness and promote the support that is available to students.
The Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust (YGAM), an award-winning leading education charity, has collaborated with GAMSTOP, the national online self-exclusion scheme, and RecoverMe, a mobile health application designed to help those who suffer from a gambling addiction, to embark on ‘The Gambling Support University Tour’.
The initiative will see the three organisations visit university campuses throughout the UK to speak to students and university staff about the issue of gambling-related harms and importantly the training and support services they provide. During a visit to a university, the group will have a visible presence on campus to distribute information leaflets and engage with students.
YGAM will also provide free harm prevention training to university staff, student union officers and safeguarding leads. The training and resources will equip them with the knowledge, skills and confidence to identify signs of gambling-related harms and also signpost students who may be struggling.
The tour follows the publication of a new survey of 2,000 students, commissioned by YGAM and GAMSTOP, which revealed 80% of students have gambled and 41% of this group admitting that gambling has had a negative impact on their university experience, including missing lectures, assignment deadlines and social activities. Nearly one in five admit to using their student loan to gamble.
Jimmy Parkin, University and Student Engagement at YGAM said, “Students are a key group for us, and the recent survey findings reiterate the importance of educating our young adults on the risks and harms associated with gambling. This university tour is the first of its kind. We hope by collaborating with GAMSTOP and RecoverMe, we can utilise our knowledge and services to ensure students have access to the information, resources and support they need to enjoy a university experience free from gambling-related harms.”
Katie Reynolds-Jones, Head of Marketing and Communications at GAMSTOP said, “Over 58% of those signing up to GAMSTOP are between the ages of 18 and 34; it is therefore important that we understand students and ensure that we are reaching them effectively. Students need to be aware of the free tools and support available to them, and we are delighted to be taking part in this important initiative.”
Dr Adil Nayeem, Co-Founder of RecoverMe: “The recent survey findings highlight how the student population can be a high-risk group for gambling-related harm. We created RecoverMe after one of our close friends at university struggled with a gambling addiction and did not know where to turn. We are excited to visit university campuses throughout the UK to speak to students and engage with staff. By collaborating with these great organisations, we can support students and help reduce gambling-related harm.”
The tour will kick off this month with visits to university campuses in Birmingham, Exeter and Plymouth.
If you are interested in the ‘Gambling Support University Tour’ visiting your university campus, please get in touch by contacting training@ygam.org.
