about us

We work with schools, organisations, and families to deliver free, expert-led workshops across Wales and the South West—giving young people the knowledge and confidence to make safer choices in a world where gambling risks are everywhere.

Why We Exist

Ahead of the Game, an Ara project, exists to empower young people with the knowledge and confidence to recognise gambling harms and make informed choices. We provide free education, practical tools, and expert guidance to schools, youth organisations, and families across Wales and the South West—helping to safeguard young people from gambling-related risks.

As part of Ara, a trusted charity with decades of experience supporting vulnerable communities, we are dedicated to preventing gambling harm through education and early intervention.

Mission

Vision

Who We Support

Young People (Ages 11-24)

We give young people the confidence and understanding they need to make informed decisions, stay in control, and look out for others.

Parents & Carers

We support parents and carers in recognising the risks young people may face, starting important conversations, and ensuring their safety.

Professionals

We work with professionals to help them identify risks, engage with young people effectively, and provide the necessary support to keep them safe.

Why Book Our Free Training?

Safeguard Young People

Learn how to spot gambling-related harm and protect young people in your care.

Understand the Impact

Discover how gambling can affect a young person’s mental health and wellbeing, especially if they are impacted by someone else’s gambling.

Build Confidence

Gain practical steps and strategies for identifying and supporting young people experiencing gambling harms.

Stay Ahead of the Trends

We monitor the latest gambling trends and emerging risks affecting young people, ensuring our content is always relevant and up-to-date.

Our Team

Our dedicated team brings expertise in education, safeguarding, and gambling harm prevention, delivering engaging workshops that empower young people and those who support them.

Emily Cox (She/Her)

Gambling Education and Prevention Lead - Bristol & South West

Hi, I'm Emily! I love spending time with my two little dogs Seve and Frank. Fun fact about me my first ever job was as a professional clown.

Email Me

Hannah Gunn (She/Her)

Gambling Education and Prevention Lead - North Wales

Hi I'm Hannah! I’m based in North Wales and I speak Welsh. I'm a self-professed bookworm who loves being outdoors, cold water swimming and exploring forests especially! Fun Fact - I was once on the BBC quiz show, Eggheads!

Email Me

Helen Webster-Morgan (She/Her)

Gambling Education and Prevention Lead - South Wales

Hi, I’m Helen! I love mountain biking, reading and bird watching. My favourite bird has to be the blackbird I just love their little walk, and their bird song is one of the best. I am very family orientated, and love nothing better than spending time with those close to me.

Email Me

Adele Bourne (She/Her)

Gambling Education and Prevention Lead - South West

Hi, I'm Adele! I’m in my third year in this role, and I absolutely love it being Neurospicy is definitely my superpower! I’m a keen endurance rider and enjoy SUPing, snorkelling, and spending time with my dogs and family. I also have way too many apps on my phone! Fun fact: I’ve had the incredible experience of swimming with turtles and stingrays!

Email Me

Dave Hewer (He/Him)

Education and Prevention Team Lead

Hi I’m Dave! I work across Wales and the Southwest. I love walks in the countryside and being around trees. Fun fact: I’m related to one of the people who first adapted “land diving” into bungee jumping. I’m dyslexic too!

Email Me

Our feedback

Feedback from professionals who have taken part in our workshops, sharing their experiences and the impact on the young people they support.

Member of Staff

South Devon

I was really surprised to hear about the amount of gaming related gambling and how easily accessible it was for young people! Brilliant session for our learners.

Member of Staff

South Devon

It was shocking to learn about the excessive amounts of advertisements and the role gambling has to play in video gaming. Excellent lecturer and pitched effectively for young people with neurodiverse needs.

Member of Staff

South West England

An eye opener to new online gaming forms of gambling. Great workshop. Very useful and relevant for my students. Thanks!

M Snowdon

Head of PSHE, The King's School

The Gambling and Gaming Workshop that was provided by Adele at Ara, were absolutely wonderful. The students were thoroughly engaged throughout, and it was a fantastic opportunity. Adele did sessions, to a Year 8, 12 and 10s and the workshop covered everything and was spot on for each age group. We would absolutely love to see these sessions again in the future, and I would highly recommend to all schools. 

E Gue

Head of PD, Saltash Community School

The session that was delivered to our Y12 students was relevant, engaging, informative and interactive covering a wide range of useful content, Adele the presenter was engaging, knowledgeable and involved the students within the session, we are looking forward to further workshops/sessions that we have planned for our students.

Make a Difference Today

Don’t wait for the problem to escalate. Book a FREE workshop or training session for your school, organisation, or team today and help us make a real difference in the lives of young people. Together, we can get ahead of the game and help protect the next generation from the dangers of gambling.