GamCare Joins the #GivingTuesday Movement

National problem gambling support charity GamCare is raising the profile of their new youth education and awareness programme this #GivingTuesday, including opening registration for free training for frontline professionals working with young people.

#GivingTuesday, led in the UK by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), will take place on Tuesday 29th November. The campaign encourages people to ‘do good stuff’ for the charities and causes they care about.

As well as sponsoring a youth-specific website at www.BigDeal.org.uk, GamCare is currently fundraising to create three regional ‘youth hubs’ in Bristol, Birmingham and the North West (covering Manchester and Liverpool), as well as expanding their youth education services in London.

These youth hubs will fund youth outreach workers to provide free of charge workshops and training in their local areas, as well as materials and screening tools to assist local youth services and teachers in identifying young people at risk. Each youth hub will also provide referrals to specialist treatment for young people who are experiencing or vulnerable to gambling-related harm.

Hannah Terrey, Head of Policy and Campaigns at CAF, says: “#GivingTuesday is a huge celebration of doing good and a chance to shine a light on the fantastic work that charities do across the UK and around the world. It’s the collective action of thousands of people and organisations that makes this day so powerful.”

Dirk Hansen, CEO at GamCare, says: “Our work aims to ensure that young people can access honest, accurate and relevant information about gambling and make informed choices about whether they choose to gamble. As a result of this programme, young people will also be able to access help and support tailored for them should they need it.”

For more information, to register for training or to donate to the programme, visit www.gamcare.org.uk/news/giving-tuesday

ENDS

For more information or accompanying images please contact Catherine Sweet, Marketing and Communications Manager, at catherine.sweet@gamcare.org.uk or on 020 7801 7000.

Notes to editors:

GamCare – Working to minimise gambling-related harm

• GamCare is the leading national provider of information, advice, support and free counselling for the prevention and treatment of problem gambling. Our expert services are confidential and non-judgemental.
• GamCare operates the National Gambling HelpLine on Freephone 0808 8020 133 or via web chat at www.gamcare.org.uk. Advisers are available 8am – Midnight, seven days a week.
  Moderated chatrooms are also open daily, and peer-to-peer support is available through the GamCare Forum. For more information on GamCare counselling services, visit www.gamcare.org.uk/free-counselling
• GamCare initially piloted its youth programme in Bristol, with Partner agency ARA. Professionals trained indicated that they had a better understanding of recognising and dealing with gambling problems in young people, and young people who took part in the programme fed back that they planned to reduce either the time or money that they spend on gambling.