YGAM, the national education charity which works to raise awareness of gambling and gaming related harms, has been recognised by Shadow Minister Rachael Maskell, MP, for its ability to navigate the severe challenges of the Covid-19 crisis and continue to deliver an outstanding education programme through the application of digital media.

The Member of Parliament for York Central and Shadow Minister for the Voluntary Sector and Communities, who has been in dialogue with charities about the impact of Covid-19 and what measures the sector has initiated in order to adjust, said: “Speaking to YGAM, it is clear the team has gone above and beyond to ensure they are able to continue to educate young and vulnerable people in these unprecedented circumstances.

“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.”

YGAM’s Head of External Affairs, Daniel Bliss, believes the challenges presented by Covid-19 has demonstrated the resilience of the ‘not for profit’ sector.  Daniel said: “It’s been estimated that lost fundraising, donations and trading income has cost the charity sector over £4bn in the first 12 weeks of the coronavirus outbreak in the UK. No matter how large or small, all charities are facing significant challenges at this time.

“However, rather than take the easy option which would have been to suspend our activities, 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.”