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Rachael Maskell, the Shadow Minister for UK Charities, has branded the Young Gamers & Gamblers Education Trust (YGAM) as ‘a leading example of how charities have innovated’.
The Labour MP for York Central praised the work of YGAM staff who continue to deliver the charity’s youth education programmes on gambling, despite also navigating the unprecedented challenges of national lockdown.
Maskell, who has monitored YGAM’s development, complimented the charity’s determination in delivering engaging digital courses to UK pupils, passing on vital information about problem gambling and raising awareness of at-risk behaviours.
Underlining that YGAM had ‘gone beyond its call of duty’, Maskell commented: “I am extremely impressed by the prompt digital transformation of their resources and delivery model.
“I have been speaking to charities right across the UK to share insight on some of the struggles but also some of the positives. YGAM is a leading example of how charities have successfully innovated, and the team should be very proud.”
Reflecting on COVID-19 impacts, YGAM Head of External Affairs Daniel Bliss highlighted that the loss of funding and trading income during the period has been estimated to be over £4 billion for non-profit organisations.
However, YGAM management maintained that closing its facilities and services would have been ‘the easy option’ during lockdown.
“No matter how large or small, all charities are facing significant challenges at this time,” Bliss said
“The YGAM team has responded creatively and reconfigured content for digital platforms. As well as the YGAM Practitioner Workshops, which have been presented as a blended, sophisticated digital offering, we have also launched our ‘Parent Hub’ website which is dedicated to providing a wealth of resources and activities to support families and help build digital resilience.
“The recognition we have received from a senior politician has provided an important boost to the YGAM team as we continue to deliver what I believe to be a best in class service.”
