Gambling Awareness Workshop

Gambling Awareness Workshop with Patrick Foster

We are excited to announce an upcoming event that we believe is crucial for parents, educators, and PSHE Leads: the Gambling Awareness Workshop. Scheduled for next Thursday, 29th February, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm at Westbourne School, Sheffield, this workshop aims to shed light on the rapidly growing concerns surrounding gambling and online gaming among young people.

In a digital age where 96% of our children and young people are thought to own a smartphone, gambling and online gaming have never been more accessible to young people, making it the fastest-growing societal issue faced by our younger generation.

With the proliferation of smartphones and digital platforms, access to gambling and gaming has become easier than ever, posing significant risks to our children’s #mentalhealth and overall wellbeing. The statistics are alarming: with 500,000 children aged between 11-15 gambling weekly and young people aged 16 to 23 three times more likely to develop a gambling or gaming problem, it’s clear that this issue demands our attention.

At Westbourne School, we understand the gravity of this issue and are committed to equipping our community with the knowledge and resources needed to address it effectively. That’s why we’re thrilled to welcome Patrick Foster, a former professional cricketer turned advocate for gambling awareness and mental health.

Patrick’s personal journey from the depths of gambling addiction to recovery is both harrowing and inspiring. Through his own experiences, he has become a passionate advocate for raising awareness of the dangers of gambling and associated risk-taking behaviours. As an ambassador for the The Mintridge Foundation and the author of the bestselling book “Might Bite: The Secret Life of a Gambling Addict,” Patrick brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the table.

Patrick will share his compelling story, backed by insightful facts and figures, to illustrate the urgent need for awareness and education surrounding gambling and online gaming. He will offer practical advice on how to recognise signs of addiction in oneself and others and where to seek help.

Furthermore, Patrick will delve into the convergence between online gaming and gambling, highlighting the concerning trend of one leading to the other. He will also emphasise the importance of promoting proactive approaches to mental health and exploring healthy coping strategies.

With links to low attainment, truancy, poor mental health, anti-social behaviour, and, in the extreme, criminal convictions or suicide, problem gambling among young people is not something we can ignore any longer.

We believe that we can better equip ourselves to protect our young people from the pitfalls of addiction. We urge all parents and PSHE Leads to join us for this important workshop.

Sign up here

Warm regards,

Becky Wilcox
Director of Futures, Westbourne School