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GamCare partners YGAM and Fast Forward for new gambling education framework

| By Robert Fletcher
Gambling harm charity GamCare has partnered with the Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust (YGAM) and Fast Forward to launch a new framework to help educate young people in the UK about gambling harm.

Designed for use in the education sector, the Gambling Education Framework provides a set of evidence-based principles to deliver effective gambling education for anyone who works with young people aged between seven and 24.

The framework can be used across formal and informal settings, including schools, and was established with input from the Gambling Prevention Education Forum, which includes organisations that deliver gambling prevention education or train practitioners to offer this. 

The principles were produced free of industry funding or influence and can be applied in all educational settings. GamCare, YGAM and Fast Forward will help deliver education in line with the framework, as well as support those offering gambling harm prevention education.  

The framework is intended to complement the public health approach outlined in the National Strategy for Reducing Gambling Harms.

“We know from our work with professionals that gambling can often feel like an issue that goes under the radar,” GamCare chief executive Anna Hemmings said. “The framework builds on our existing work with young people and highlights the need for evidence-based solutions that are straightforward, accessible and scalable. 

“The framework will support professionals to raise the conversation about gambling harms and ensure education on this issue gains parity with education about other risky behaviours.”  

Principles set out in the framework include that education should be needs-led and evidence-based, adapted to the life-course of a young person, as well as be embedded within wider approaches and work holistically.

It was also recommended that those following the framework assess and evaluate the delivery and impact of their programme, implement continuous and repeated sessions, use interactive and participatory techniques and build protective factors and reduce risk factors.

In addition, the framework said education should be delivered by trained professionals and be based on approaches that influence intention and motivation to change behaviours.

Fast Forward chief executive Allie Cherry-Byrnes said: “Fast Forward is delighted to have worked with GamCare and YGAM to create the Gambling Education Framework; we are confident that this will become an invaluable resource for anyone working in education and prevention work focusing on gambling harms across the UK.”

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