Issue - meetings

The Panel noted the report of the Scrutiny Manager and conisdered the information provided by the invited guests which would be used as evidence in the review.

The focus os the meeting was the importance of Primary prevention - Taking action to prevent the onset of at-risk gambling behaviour, either through whole population measures or those targeting vulnerable groups. 

Summary of information provided:

1) Information and awareness – Steve Watts, Chief Executive at GamFam

• A presentation was delivered by Steve Watts, outlining the Gaming and Gambling Harms information and awareness sessions delivered by GamFam in Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk to young people and parents.

Key points raised in the presentation included:

• GamFam is a charity set up by those who have experienced first-hand the devastating effects that gambling can have on family and friends. Its vision is to empower individuals and families to alleviate the impact of gambling harms and move towards a positive future.
• GamFam delivers CPD accredited information and awareness sessions to help understand gaming and gambling related harms and the impact on health and wellbeing.
• The objectives of the information and awareness (I&A) sessions are:

•  To change perception about gambling harms

•  To feel more confident offering support to anyone affected by gambling harms (directly or indirectly)

•  To be able to signpost individuals and families to specialised support and services.

• GamFam deliver CPD accredited I&A sessions in Norfolk, Suffolk & Essex to schools, colleges, professionals and other support services. They have recently launched a Key Stage 2 programme and a grassroots football programme is launching in February 2025. Having people with lived experience opens doors.
• Feedback demonstrates significantly increased awareness and understanding of gambling harms following the sessions.
• Delivering I&A sessions in schools and colleges can be challenging.  Work needs to be done to support teaching staff to be able to spot the signs. If the sessions are delivered by teachers through PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic education) lessons it can result in an inconsistent message.  It should be delivered by a specialist.
• In Southampton PSHE leads have discussed gambling harms and some secondary schools have accessed support (lesson plans and guidance for teachers) from GamCare on gambling harms.
• The I&A sessions are in addition to the peer support programmes run by GamFam.
• GamFam work in partnership with all 15 of the NHS Gambling Clinics, including the NHS Southern Gambling Service, and deliver Peer Support on behalf of the 6 NGS clinics and from February the London Clinic.
• GamFam want to grow and will seek funding via the statutory levy.  Keen to work across the South of England.

2) Greater Manchester Gambling Harms Update - Odds Are: They Win campaign – Ellie Caddick,Senior Communications and Engagement Manager at Greater Manchester Combined Authority

• Ellie Caddick delivered a presentation introducing the gambling harms awareness campaigns being delivered by Greater Manchester Combined Authority. 

Key points raised in the presentation included:

• Odds Are: They Win was the first gambling harms prevention campaign in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9