YGAM, the Young Gamers & Gamblers Education Trust, is reaching out to Black, Asian and other minority ethnic (BAME) punters.
The radical move follows an independent six-month in-depth evaluation of YGAM’s charity work by Clearview Research.
And it is intended to improve and better understand negative—and often singular–gambling issues affecting the young in BAME communities.
The Clearview report, titled “Gambling: A Young BAME Perspective”, found a “lack of awareness” amongst minority communities regarding the help and support which is available for problem gamblers.
First phase of the evaluation was to conduct an external audit of YGAM, a charity that seeks to educate and safeguard young people in relation to gambling.
Clearview conducted a root and branch review of YGAM in a bid to gauge its profile, effectiveness and outreach vis-à-vis ethnic minorities.
In a key move, the research unit also worked with a core group of seven young advisers, aged between 16 and 35-years-old, to investigate the pros and cons of delivering culturally appropriate materials and services to meet the needs of youngsters in BAME communities.
“In recent months the work we have been doing in this field has become more relevant and important than ever,” said YGAM Operations Director Keb Clelland.
“We are proud of our progress. But more work still needs to be done by this sector to safeguard every young person and we are committed to leading the way.”
Kenny Imafidon, Managing Director of ClearView, added: “We have really enjoyed working closely with the YGAM team over the past six months.
“They have been open-minded to constructive feedback and have truly taken on board any uncomfortable truths we have shared with them during this process.
“What I am most pleased about is that they have already begun implementing some of our recommendations.”
YGAM, meanwhile, has been awarded prestigious City & Guilds Assured Status for a second successive year.
Such certification is based on an assessment of its training and educational programmes, planning, management, programme delivery, participant support, quality assurance and ongoing development.
