A group of students are rolling out a series of events this term to tackle gambling addiction among young people.
They aim to raise awareness of gambling-related harms, reduce stigmas surrounding the issue and encourage those struggling to seek support.
Working in partnership with national mental health charity Mind, the team began their programme before the Christmas break by hosting open surgeries held in the SU. Students who believed they might have a gambling problem could attend and discuss their concerns. They hope to hold more of these throughout the spring semester.
They will be creating a dedicated page on the University’s website to make accessing help easier for students experiencing gambling related harm, and, among other events, are planning to run a gambling awareness stall at the varsity Ice Hockey on the 20th of March.
The project is part of the Students’ Union’s ‘ChangeLab’ initiative, where students are given the opportunity to work on volunteer-driven, social projects across the City of Sheffield.
Speaking with Forge Press, the group’s leaders, Nick Bowes and Leo Porter, both agreed it is likely that most students will know a problem gambler, but, due to addiction’s nature, are unlikely to be aware of this.
Leo explained: “It’s such an invisible and private addiction. It’s a hard thing to provide support for.”
In his view, the stigma around gambling addiction is particularly bad: “When people see a drug addiction, [they may believe that] the drug is partly to blame. With gambling, the blame falls on the person suffering”.
The project is connected to Mind’s ‘Gambling Awareness Project Sheffield’ (GAPS), which is funded by the government-owned Gambling Commission.
GAPS is a two-year enterprise which aims to identify effective strategies for assisting 11-25 year olds at risk of developing gambling problems.
A 2023 report by gambling addiction agencies YGam and GAMSTOP estimates that 71% of British University students have gambled at least once within the last year. Over a quarter of that number can be categorised as ‘problem gamblers’ and half admitted gambling has impacted their studies.
Andy Winter, Director of Support Services at the University told Forge Press:
“We’re always here to support our students and would encourage any student who is concerned they might have a problem with gambling to get in touch with our services. Students can find more information on our student support website.”
If you or someone you know has been affected by gambling-related harm you can find support on the University of Sheffield’s online student support hub.
GAPS offer 1-2-1 support for 11-25 year-olds who may be at risk of developing or are already experiencing gambling related harms. You can find more information at sheffieldmind.co.uk.
Image Credits: Cardiff City
