Epic Risk Management has committed to combating and reducing gambling-related harms at a national level by extending its partnership with Whysup.
Adding a 12-month extension to their collaboration, Epic confirmed that there is also the option of a multi-year arrangement. Epic and Whysup work will continue to focus on education, raising awareness, research and providing practical guidance to all stakeholders.
The strategic partnership will continue to contribute to the UK Gambling Commission’s ‘National Strategy’, a three-year programme which establishes the UK’s new framework on reducing problem harm – focusing on wider collaboration to enhance gambling addiction prevention and treatment.
Patrick Foster, EPIC’s director of educational programmes, highlighted that this extended partnership will continue to make a ‘real change’ in tackling problem gambling, and was ‘not simply box ticking’.
He said: “I am absolutely delighted that we have been able to collaborate with Whysup for a minimum of another 12 months. It has been an absolute pleasure working with them over the last year and they have added huge value to what we are doing in the education and awareness section of our business.”
Extending the agreement, Epic praised Mark Murray, director of Whysup, for his contributions to the education and awareness sessions.
Foster continued: “Mark has brought energy, enthusiasm and expertise to the sessions and the feedback has been nothing short of brilliant.
“It is not often that you can work with an organisation that shares similar values and objectives and this is just the start of a really special partnership. Gambling and mental health are intrinsically linked, and this will be a major focus for us in all that we do over the next 12 months across all sectors.
“Backing UKGC National Strategy principles, Epic and Whysup work will focus on education, raising awareness, research and providing practical guidance to all stakeholders combating gambling harm.”
Murray added: “We are delighted to be renewing our collaborative partnership with Epic Risk Management. Working with Paul, Patrick and the wider Epic team over the last 12 months has been fantastic. We are like-minded people who want to deliver the best possible awareness sessions to aid prevention.
“This is what pro-active, positive collaboration looks like and together we will educate more young people with what we believe to be potentially life-saving information. I believe this is just the start and over the next 12 months we will continue to provide a much-needed service, ensure that young people are aware of the risks, and deliver a real-world gambling education.”
