Gambling harms in the spotlight as new film from Walsall youngsters gets Birmingham screening

On Wednesday 14th November, a group of acting students from Walsall saw themselves on the silver screen as part of a project to raise awareness of gambling harms among young people.

The film, which was shown at a private screening at a Birmingham cinema, shows the risks and potential harms of gambling in a way which also encourages young people to speak out about their issues and seek help from professionals.

The gambling harm prevention charities GamCare and Ygam ran a competition for young people to submit ideas for an awareness-raising film, which will be freely available to schools and professionals.

The winning film, called ‘The Gamble of Youth’, shows how young people can be impacted by gambling harms at different stages of their lives, whilst also providing hope by showing the advice and support available to them.

Young actors, aged between 10 and 15 years old, from Thespian Arts in Brownhills, Walsall, starred in the film which was professionally produced by London-based Equal Productions. The filming took place in September at Brownhills Community Association.

Over 150 young people were involved in the competition, and judges – including a panel of young people from GamCare’s Youth Advisory Board – selected from 10 entries to choose the winning film idea which was awarded to Thespian Arts. Local gambling support providers Aquarius, NECA Gambling Services, Beacon Counselling Trust, Ara, and Breakeven were also involved in promoting the competition in their regions across England.

Hundreds of schools and organisations that help young people aged between 11 to 25 years old will receive a copy of the film, which has been produced to raise awareness of the harm that gambling can cause and the free support services available.

GamCare operates the National Gambling Helpline – a 24 hour a day, seven day a week helpline that people can call for free practical information, advice and support around gambling.

GamCare provides specific support for young people up to the age of 25 who are experiencing harm because of gambling or gaming through its Young People’s Support Service. The charity also provides gambling awareness workshops directly to young people in a variety of settings, along with training for parents and professionals.

Ygam provides free award-winning training on gaming and gambling harms to teachers, parents, and those in positions of influence over children and young people.

Nicole Barklam, Events Manager at GamCare, said: “It’s inspiring to see young people take such an active interest in the harms that gambling can cause, and to be able to raise further awareness of the support options available, should anyone need it.

“We’re so pleased to see the level of effort that Thespian Arts have gone to in order to bring this important production to life. We’re looking forward to sharing with more young people in the United Kingdom about the harm that gambling can cause.”

Kyle Riding, Head of Programmes at Ygam, said: “This film competition initiative has been a fantastic way to engage young people in raising awareness, tapping into their creativity to ensure that the messaging resonates with their peers.

“The film is a powerful educational tool, and I’m confident that this project will positively impact understanding and help prevent gambling harms.”