Our impact

Every workshop, conversation and resource adds up. Here is the difference we are making for young people, families and the professionals who support them across Wales and the South West.

Our reach so far

Ahead of the Game delivers directly to young people, in person wherever possible, as well as training the adults and professionals around them. Our work raises awareness of gambling-related harms, explores the overlap between gaming and gambling, and helps make support easier to find.

These figures are taken from our April 2025 to March 2026 reporting period.

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Young people directly educated about gambling-related harms across South West England and Wales

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Professionals working with young people, families and communities trained to spot gambling harms and the overlap between gaming and gambling and online risk

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Parents & Carers supported to understand gambling harms and start helpful conversations with young people at home

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Schools reached through direct youth workshops, assemblies, lessons or wider prevention activity

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Colleges & Further Education settings supported through youth workshops, post-16 sessions and professional engagement

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Universities engaged to extend gambling harm awareness, prevention and treatment

The results speak for themselves

Feedback gathered from young people, professionals and parents after taking part in our sessions.

99%

of young people aged 11 to 24 know where to find support if they need it

100%

of professionals and parents felt able to apply what they had learned

100%

of professionals and parents reported increased confidence in starting a conversation

99%

improvement in knowledge about gambling-related harms among 11 to 24s

Schools and organisations we work with

We have delivered free education and training across schools, colleges, universities and youth settings throughout Wales and the South West.

A Closer look

Building Confidence

Bristol City Robins Foundation

"Those who are usually more reserved were participating, asking questions and sharing their thoughts."

A Safe Space to Talk

New Quay Orchard

"Learners felt comfortable discussing the topic openly in a safe, non-judgemental environment."

Adapting to Every Learner

City of Bristol College (Post-16 SEND Provision)

"Resources and language were tailored to our learners' needs, making the content accessible yet informative."

Learning That Lasts

Llwynypia Primary School

"The impact of the workshop was evident in pupils' understanding and the quality of their discussions."

Taking Learning Home

Wiltshire Council Housing Team

"I have changed the way I interact with my younger nephews after receiving this training."

Building Confidence to Seek Support

Cornwall College

"Our students are aware of the risks around gambling and feel confident to seek support for themselves or others."

Breaking Down Barriers

Cornwall College

"The trainer takes the time to engage with students and break down barriers to accessing support."

Support Beyond the Workshop

South Devon College

"Students regularly stay behind after workshops to seek advice for themselves, a friend or a family member."

Reaching Every Learner

South Devon College

"The sessions were inclusive and suitable for all learners, including those with additional needs."

Tailored to Every Age Group

The King's School, Devon

"The workshops were spot on for each age group, and students were thoroughly engaged throughout."

Our feedback

Our approach works across every kind of education setting, from mainstream classrooms to specialist support.

Bristol City Robins Foundation (Sports Education)

N. Fagg - Teaching Assistant, Bristol City Robins Foundation

"The sessions were impactful, relevant and added significant value to the wellbeing of our young people."

New Quay Orchard (SEND & Supported Learning)

E. Pollitt - Education Officer, New Quay Orchard

"Learners actively participated in all of the activities and felt comfortable discussing the topic openly."

Branas School (Specialist SEN School)

L. Gallagher - Branas School

"Our children and young people were engaged throughout and responded enthusiastically to the activities and discussions."

Llwynypia Primary School

J. Edwards - Year 5/6 Teacher, Llwynypia Primary School

"The impact of the workshop was evident in pupils' understanding and the quality of their discussions."

Wiltshire Council Housing Team (Professional Training)

Housing Officer - Wiltshire Council Housing Team

"I have changed the way I interact with my younger nephews after receiving this training."

Gwaunmeisgyn Primary School

P. Tampsett - Year 6 Teacher, Gwaunmeisgyn Primary School

"The workshops were highly relevant to our school context and pupils were fully engaged throughout."

St. David's Catholic College (Sixth Form College)

Pastoral Team - St. David's Catholic College

"Students were engaged from the beginning through relatable examples and a warm, approachable style."

City of Bristol College (Post-16 SEND Provision)

D. Incani - Lecturer, City of Bristol College (SEND)

"The trainer created a safe environment for students to learn, ask questions and discuss personal issues."

Cornwall College (Further & Higher Education)

S. Smith - Student Experience Manager & Safeguarding Officer, Cornwall College

"Our students are aware of the risks around gambling and feel confident to seek support for themselves or others."

Oak Academy (Secondary School)

A. Everton - Assistant Vice Principal, Oak Academy

"The content was accessible, engaging and students gained plenty from the session."

South Devon College (Further Education)

N. Boone - Head of Personal Development & Student Journey, South Devon College

"The trainer makes themselves available after every workshop, and students regularly stay behind to seek advice for themselves, friends or family."

Saltash Community School (Secondary School)

E. Gue - Head of Personal Development, Saltash Community School

"The session was relevant, engaging, informative and interactive."

Wild Project (Parent Workshop)

L. Keast - Wild Project

"Parents felt less alone and more confident to reach out for conversation and support."

The King's School, Devon (Secondary School)

M. Snowdon - Head of PSHE, The King's School, Devon

"The workshops were spot on for each age group, and students were thoroughly engaged throughout."

St David's College, Llandudno (Independent SEN School & Sixth Form)

G. Murphy - GSE Lead, St David's College, Llandudno

"The workshops were age-appropriate, relevant and gave young people plenty of opportunity to ask questions."

Read our full impact report

These figures are part of the wider Ara Recovery for All story. Read the full Ara Impact Report for the complete picture of our reach, results and the people behind the numbers, across gambling harms, housing, prison resettlement and more.

Want to read the full feedback?

The comments featured on this page have been lightly edited for length and clarity. Individual facilitator names have been removed where appropriate to keep the feedback relevant over time, while preserving the original meaning.

If you’d like to read the full testimonials, you can download them below.

Help us reach more young people

Whether you are a school, organisation or professional, our workshops give you the tools to make a real difference.