Funded Preventing Gambling Harms Training for Faith Leaders
Preventing Gambling Harms in Diverse Communities (PGHDC) was set up in 2021 by YGAM, a UK charity, to equip Faith and Community Leaders in London and surrounding counties with the knowledge and tools to have purposeful and informed conversations with young people about this important (if often overlooked) aspect of safeguarding.
Recent research has shown there is a need to take a preventative approach to gaming and gambling harms:
- 96% of 11-24-year-olds have been exposed to gambling marketing messaging in the last four weeks (University of Stirling/Ipsos Mori, 2020).
- 55,000 11-16-year-olds are classified as problem gamblers (Gambling Commission, 2019).
- Women experiencing high levels of gambling harm are much more likely to be younger (aged 18-34), and from a Black, Asian or minority ethnic background (YouGov/GambleAware, 2020).
- 90% of children & young people from a BAME background say there is a difference in how gambling is perceived in ethnic and white cultures (ClearView/GambleAware, 2019).
- 12 studies have shown a link between purchasing loot boxes in video games and problem gambling (Universities of Plymouth and Wolverhampton, 2021).
PGHDC raises awareness of these issues by delivering free, City & Guilds-assured workshops that cover topics including:
- Gaming and Gambling Harms
- Mental Health and Wellbeing
- The Role of Religion and Culture
- Marketing and Sponsorship
- Spotting Signs of Harm
- Signposting Help and Support
Upon completion of the training, participants receive a certificate and digital credential from City & Guilds to evidence their CPD, free access to resources, and continuing professional support from the PGHDC team.
You can find more information and booking links to open workshops in October and November here.
