YGAM delivers problem gambling support with ‘Student Hub’

The Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust (YGAM) will raise awareness of gaming and gambling-related harm among students with the launch of its new Student Hub.

The resource, which was ‘developed by students for students’, will help prevent students from experiencing harm by providing them with information and support.

Pete Woodward, Head of Delivery for University and Student Engagement at YGAM, said: “Student life has changed dramatically this year, and we knew YGAM had to respond accordingly. Our Student Hub is the first of its kind: a resource created for and with students, ensuring they get the information and education to make informed choices.

“We will be gathering insights from this online portal and sharing what we find with our partners at other universities and students’ unions. Together, we can work towards a higher education environment free from gaming and gambling related harm.”

Research published by YGAM in 2019 showed that 264,000 students are at some risk of gambling-related harm in the UK with around 88,000 already defined as problem gamblers.

The platform will include ‘interactive elements along with lived experience case studies to further highlight the concerning issue of gambling and gaming addiction on university campuses’.

Mike Wojcik, CEO of Queen Mary University of London Students’ Union and Chair of Trustees for YGAM added: “YGAM has developed an accessible, interactive resource with excellent content. It’s a superb digital platform which delivers what the charity was set up to do: inform, educate and safeguard young and potentially vulnerable young people.”