The Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust (Ygam) recently celebrated a significant milestone: its 10th anniversary. The prestigious occasion was marked by a special reception at the House of Lords, hosted by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster. Over 100 distinguished guests attended the event, including key figures from a wide array of organisations that have either collaborated with or directly benefited from Ygam’s impactful work over the past decade.
Ygam 10th Anniversary: Transformative Work in Youth Education and Gambling Awareness
Since its inception in 2014, Ygam has had a tremendous influence on the UK’s youth and education landscape. The charity, which focuses on safeguarding young people from the harms of gambling and gaming, has trained more than 28,000 professionals across various sectors, empowering them to engage with 4.6 million young people throughout the UK.
A Decade of Growth and Influence
Ygam’s 10-year journey is a testament to the growing importance of education and preventative measures in the realms of gaming and gambling. What started as a small initiative, driven by the vision of Baroness Winterton and her colleagues, has evolved into a nationally recognised organisation, championing the wellbeing and safety of young people.
During her keynote speech at the House of Lords event, Baroness Winterton reflected on Ygam’s early beginnings and the powerful motivation behind its creation. “What started as a heartfelt mission has now become a nationally recognised organisation, making a tangible impact on the lives of young people across the UK,” she noted. The Baroness spoke of the passion that fueled Ygam’s foundation, a passion that continues to guide the organisation in its work today.
Ygam’s multifaceted approach to youth education has garnered attention and support from all parties in Parliament, as well as from key community stakeholders. By addressing the growing concerns surrounding gambling and gaming addiction among young people, Ygam has established itself as a leader in this crucial policy area. Its work in education and safeguarding is recognised not only for its effectiveness but also for its dedication to promoting healthy habits and long-term wellbeing.
Expanding Impact Through Education
The cornerstone of Ygam’s success lies in its comprehensive training programmes for professionals working with children and young people. Since its launch, Ygam has reached thousands of educators, youth workers, and healthcare professionals, equipping them with the tools they need to effectively engage young people on the subjects of gambling and gaming risks.
With over 28,000 professionals trained to date, Ygam’s educational framework has had a ripple effect across schools, youth organisations, and community centres throughout the UK. These professionals, in turn, have reached millions of young people, helping them understand the dangers associated with gambling and gaming addiction. By fostering a culture of prevention, Ygam is playing a critical role in reducing the risks associated with these activities and promoting healthier lifestyles.
Ygam’s National Presence and Reach
Ygam’s impact spans the entirety of the UK, with educational programmes and resources available across England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and more recently in Scotland. This geographic reach has enabled the charity to address the unique challenges faced by different regions and communities, ensuring that its resources are accessible to all.
The importance of Ygam’s work was underscored by Zoe Osmond, Chief Executive of GambleAware, who delivered the closing remarks at the anniversary reception. She praised Ygam for its outstanding contributions to preventative education and the breadth of its reach. “Ygam has established itself as a leading provider of preventative education training and resources across England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and more recently in Scotland,” Osmond said, adding that Ygam’s team of passionate professionals is a valuable asset to the sector.
Preventative Education: A Lifesaving Mission
One of the most significant aspects of Ygam’s work is its focus on preventative education. By equipping young people with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complex and often risky world of gaming and gambling, Ygam is helping to safeguard the next generation. Its programmes are designed to foster critical thinking and promote informed decision-making, both of which are essential to preventing the development of harmful habits.
Through its preventative approach, Ygam is not only addressing the immediate risks associated with gambling and gaming but also laying the foundation for long-term behavioural change. This proactive strategy is essential in mitigating the harms that gambling and gaming can cause, particularly for young people who are often vulnerable to these activities.
Recognition from Parliament and Beyond
Ygam’s 10th-anniversary celebration at the House of Lords was not only a moment to reflect on the charity’s achievements but also an opportunity to highlight its growing influence on policy and education in the UK. Over the past decade, Ygam has become a respected voice in the field of education and safeguarding, and its work has been recognised by leaders from across the political spectrum.
Baroness Winterton expressed her confidence in Ygam’s future role in shaping government policy on gambling and gaming. “Ygam is now a valued voice and thought leader in this policy area, education and safeguarding, and I’m confident the Government will be eager to continue engaging with its important work,” she said.
A Bright Future for Ygam
Looking ahead, Ygam shows no signs of slowing down. With a decade of experience under its belt and a growing network of partners, the charity is well-positioned to expand its reach even further in the coming years. By continuing to build on its educational foundations and engage with policymakers, Ygam will remain a key player in the fight to protect young people from the risks of gambling and gaming.
As Zoe Osmond remarked at the close of the anniversary reception, Ygam’s dedicated team is a driving force behind the charity’s success. “This passion, combined with their expertise and dedication, makes Ygam’s team – many of whom are former teachers – a truly invaluable asset to our sector,” she noted.
FAQs About Ygam and its 10th Anniversary
1. What is Ygam?
Ygam (Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust) is a UK-based charity focused on educating and safeguarding young people against the risks of gambling and gaming addiction.
2. When was Ygam founded?
Ygam was founded in 2014.
3. What was the event marking Ygam’s 10th anniversary?
Ygam celebrated its 10th anniversary with a special reception at the House of Lords, hosted by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster.
4. How many professionals has Ygam trained since its inception?
Ygam has trained over 28,000 professionals working with children and young people.
5. How many young people have benefited from Ygam’s programs?
Ygam’s work has reached an estimated 4.6 million young people across the UK.
6. What kind of training does Ygam offer?
Ygam offers preventative education training and resources to professionals such as educators, youth workers, and healthcare staff to help them guide young people on the risks of gambling and gaming.
7. Who were the key speakers at Ygam’s 10th anniversary event?
Baroness Winterton and Zoe Osmond, Chief Executive of GambleAware, were among the key speakers at the event.
8. What impact has Ygam had on policy and education in the UK?
Ygam has become a respected voice and thought leader in the fields of education and safeguarding, recognised by Parliament and key community stakeholders for its work in protecting young people.
9. In which regions does Ygam operate?
Ygam operates across England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and more recently, Scotland.
10. What is Ygam’s main focus?
Ygam focuses on preventative education to help young people understand and avoid the risks associated with gambling and gaming addiction.
11. What is the significance of Ygam’s anniversary?
The 10th anniversary signifies Ygam’s growth from a small initiative to a nationally recognised organisation, making a profound impact on youth education and gambling prevention.
