Unison and Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust have rolled-out a partnership that will see members of the trade union provided with expert training on gambling and gaming-related harms.
Designed to build digital resilience, YGAM says that the workshops will cover key information on gaming and gambling in the UK.
The resources are designed to provide members with the tools needed to safeguard young people from the potential risks of gambling and gaming-related harm.
This includes lesson plans, activities, signs to look out for and information on where to go for advice and support. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, YGAM has accelerated the digital transformation of its training so it can be delivered online.
Kev Clelland, operations director at YGAM, explained: “We are delighted to be working with Unison. We are constantly listening to the needs of practitioners and young people and it is very clear from these conversations that the workers that Unison represents need and appreciate our resources more than ever.
“YGAM’s vision is for all young and vulnerable people to be safe from gaming and gambling related harms, and this collaboration will help us reach thousands of young people to raise awareness of the potential risks of gambling and gaming related harm.”
Unison has over 1.3 million members, across the both the public and private sectors, and has initially organised for YGAM to run several national sessions. It is hoped that this will be followed up with a host of regional training.
Teresa Donegan, head of learning and organising at Unison, stated: “We are really pleased to have developed this relationship with YGAM, their training and resources are really excellent and will be an invaluable resource to our members to support them in their work with young people across public services whether it be in youth, community or social services or in the further or higher education sector.”