A new resource which aims to provide evidence-based information and support on gambling harm to those working with children and young people has been launched across England.
The English Gambling Education Hub (EGEH) portal has been commissioned by GambleAware to enhance services providing early intervention and prevention.
EGEH is designed to create a community of professionals who work with children and young people. The network covers youth services, family services and formal education.
The EGEH is a collaboration of seven organisations working together, including national partners GamCare and Ygam. The local partners include Aquarius, ARA, Beacon Counselling Trust, NECA and Breakeven. The programme is also working in collaboration with the Scottish and Welsh Gambling Education Hubs.
Shirley Tomkins, programme manager at GamCare, said: “EGEH is uniquely placed to understand the true scale of gambling harm.
“We know professionals need clear, consistent and non-judgemental information to effectively support young people.”
EGEH includes school accreditation
As part of the EGEH portal, schools can apply to achieve the Gambling Education Quality Mark. This free quality mark for schools is in recognition of a school’s commitment to gambling harm prevention.
Ygam has also developed a Quality Assurance Support Package (QASP) for those who deliver training around gambling harms.
Kyle Riding, head of programmes at Ygam, said: “Education plays a vital role in preventing gambling harms. As online gambling is now part of the statutory RSE curriculum in schools, it is vital that youth organisations have a convenient place to access consistent information.”
In launching, EGEH’s network noted that the Gambling Commission’s Young People and Gambling Report for 2022 found that 31% of 11-16-year-olds had spent their own money on gambling in the last 12 months. The study also found that 0.9 per cent of 11-16-year-olds were classed as problem gamblers in Great Britain.