GambleAware Launches EGEH Portal to Tackle Youth Gambling
Date: 2023-10-23 Author: Dima Zakharov Categories: EVENTS
In an endeavor to combat the alarming surge in youth gambling, GambleAware has commissioned the English Gambling Education Hub (EGEH) portal. This innovative platform seeks to empower professionals and educators to provide early intervention and prevention strategies effectively.
EGEH stands as a unified initiative encompassing seven organizations working in tandem. It includes national partners such as GamCare and Ygam, along with local partners Aquarius, ARA, Beacon Counselling Trust, NECA, and Breakeven. Moreover, the program collaborates closely with the Scottish and Welsh Gambling Education Hubs to ensure a comprehensive approach.
Shirley Tomkins, program manager at GamCare, emphasized the significance of EGEH, stating, "EGEH is uniquely positioned to grasp the full scope of gambling harm. We understand that professionals require clear, consistent, and non-judgmental information to provide effective support to young individuals."
One noteworthy feature of EGEH is its provision for schools to attain the Gambling Education Quality Mark. This mark serves as recognition of a school's commitment to preventing gambling harm and is provided free of charge. Additionally, Ygam has developed a Quality Assurance Support Package (QASP) to support those delivering training related to gambling harm.
Kyle Riding, head of programs at Ygam, noted, "Education plays a vital role in preventing gambling harms. With online gambling now incorporated into the statutory Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) curriculum in schools, it is essential for youth organizations to have easy access to consistent information."
The launch of EGEH coincides with the release of the Gambling Commission's Young People and Gambling Report for 2022, which revealed alarming statistics. It found that 31% of 11-16-year-olds had spent their own money on gambling in the last 12 months, and 0.9% of this age group were classified as problem gamblers in Great Britain.
