Merkur Group UK Commits to YGAM Mindful Resilience Program

Merkur Group UK has agreed to help fund the next phase of gambling charity YGAM’s Mindful Resilience Programme.

The scheme is a pilot initiative that aims to provide health care professionals with access to high-quality training about gambling and problem gambling in people under the age of 25. It has been put together by a team of psychologists with input from academics, health professionals, and individuals who have experienced harmful gambling. The program has the endorsement of the Shadow Minister for Mental Health, Dr. Rosena Alin-Khan MP, who described it as “pioneering.”

It is hoped that through the training, health care professionals will be able to give greater priority to the risks surrounding gambling and be better able to engage with young people and encourage them to seek help if necessary. While it is currently a small pilot program, the aim is for it to be widely rolled out following an evaluation period. The charity has had numerous previous successes with programs targeting young people.

We are delighted to be able to play a small part in helping to fund an initiative that directs resource into helping to address such an important part of the safer gambling narrative. Our 360 Program, which we launched in September 2020, is dedicated to ensuring that all of our 2,500 UK staff understand what we mean by safer gambling and equipping our consumer-facing colleagues with the information and practical skills required to turn a philosophy into a deliverable.

Sascha BlodauMerkur UK General Manager

Blodau explained that Merkur Group UK believes that safer gambling goes beyond direct interaction with players but should be a “commitment that gambling entertainment businesses have with society at large,” and as such, they are “delighted” to help support the program.

Ian Shanahan, YGAM’s Director of Business Development and Fundraising, welcomed the support from Merkur, explaining that it will help “grow the initiative to increase its reach, profile, and impact.”