Y&H ADPH Gambling-Related Harm Funded Programme 2021-24
In September 2021, a 3-year programme to prevent and reduce gambling-related harms commenced following a successful bid for funding to the Gambling Commission*. This programme of focused and evaluated activity was led by Y&H OHID on behalf of Y&H ADPH.
Please find below a summary and corresponding links outlining the key areas of work completed so far:
- Lived experience insight (July/August 2022): This exploration was carried out by Mustard Market Research who spoke to those with lived experience of gambling harms to understand what influences gambling, how gambling risk is perceived, and where people might go if they need help. The sample included men who gamble frequently under the age of 44 (due to increased risk of harm in that group) and people affected by someone else’s gambling. Summary findings in this animation. More detail is available on request.
- Reviewing gambling information and support resources - 'mapping review' (April 2023): A review of online gambling harms sources of information and support took place to identify areas of best practice. A write up of the findings including suggested recommendations for improvement can be found in this report.
(please note since the publication of this report there is a new NHS Northern Gambling Service website found here)
- 'Where do people look for their health information?' A literature review summary (June 2023): A literature review was undertaken to understand where people affected by gambling harms are most likely to go to to find support and information when in need. This was conducted to learn more in existing literature about what people find to be a trusted source (and why), which may be useful to inform how and where gambling harms information should be shared to reach those who need support. Please read a summary of the findings and recommendations here.
- Multimedia marketing campaign (‘Gambling Understood’) and evaluation (September 2023 - January 2024): This campaign, delivered by Magpie Communications Ltd, ran from September 2023 to January 2024. The 2-phase campaign was aimed mainly at men under 34 who gamble, but was relevant to wider audiences and anyone experiencing gambling harms. The first phase of the campaign (Burst 1) explored the influences to gamble and the risks of gambling products with an aim to encourage discussion and help decrease the stigma and shame associated with harm. The second phase (Burst 2, which commenced on 11th December 2023) focused on how gambling can affect anyone and encouraged people to seek further advice and support via links to key support services. The campaign was evaluated by the University Nottingham to assess changes in gambling risk perception and intention to seek help and support.
An overview report of the marketing delivery with related learning is available. The evaluation report is progressing to peer review and publication in 2025 and will be disseminated when available.
- Gambling Understood campaign resources may be used to support your local activity. These can be downloaded from the Gambling Understood website here (under 'Burst 1 and Burst 2'), crediting 'Association of Directors of Public Health Yorkshire and Humber'. (For effectiveness, Phase 1 and Phase 2 materials should be used consecutively, without a gap.)
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'Words can hurt': a language guide for gambling harms (February 2024): This ‘Words can hurt’ language guide for communicating about gambling harms is a resource created by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority in collaboration with ADPH Yorkshire and the Humber and ADPH North East in response to local requests for communications guidance. This guide was created to combat the ‘individual responsibility’ narrative and framing that are often used by gambling industry stakeholders, which is stigmatising for those who may be affected by gambling harms.
The guide can be used as a tool to double check language choices on e.g. publications, reports, websites and strategies to ensure language is not stigmatising and frames harm from a population health approach. It may also be useful for those having conversations with individuals experiencing gambling harms, ensuring they are conducted using respectful and sensitive language.
- Development and delivery of a gambling harms training package: A training programme was developed under the ‘Gambling Understood’ brand, informed by a regional assessment of training needs (a survey circulated to the region in June 2023). These online ‘Begin the conversation’ sessions (Very Brief Intervention) increased awareness and understanding of gambling harms, guiding staff to have sensitive conversations and refer or signpost people to support. Working with local authority partners and services across the region, this was delivered to key frontline staff in communities who may encounter people harmed by gambling. A total of 425 people were trained during summer and autumn 2024. Attendees reported a positive impact on their understanding and attitudes towards gambling harm including how to provide help, with increased confidence to have a related conversation. An evaluation of learning outcomes is available here.
The Yorkshire MECC Link section on gambling harms was also updated to align with and support the approach taken in the Gambling Understood training.
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Review, refresh and launch of the Public Health Framework for Preventing and Reducing Gambling Harms in Y&H: Building on the first (2019) edition of this framework, a content review was completed in collaboration with local authority gambling harms leads and a range of system stakeholders to inform the wide range of domains covered. The new version incorporates a ‘commercial determinants of health’ lens, revisiting good practice and the evidence base to bring it up to date. A regional vision and ways of working were also developed with local leads and included. The interactive guide for anyone interested in or currently working to prevent gambling harms is available here.
Details from the webinar launch are available here.
Further information will be added as this programme develops.
* ADPH Yorkshire and Humber received funding in the form of a regulatory settlement from a UK gambling operator to support this programme of work. Regulatory settlement funds are payment in lieu of a financial penalty the Gambling Commission might otherwise impose for breach of a licence condition. The project remit was approved by the Gambling Commission with no involvement of the UK gambling operator. There has been no gambling industry involvement in any part of this research or the related programme. More information on this type of funding can be found here: What are Regulatory Settlement funds? (gamblingcommission.gov.uk)
For further access to programme outputs, resources or information, please enquire with marc.hall@hullcc.gov.uk Please note: ADPH Y&H reserves the right to not share related documents with gambling industry stakeholders or their representatives. Any documents shared will be in the interest of improving public health and the prevention of gambling harms.