Why The YMCA |
We believe that prevention programs are essential to improving individual health and
personal development and creating a healthier community. |
|
The Goal |
To implement a prevention and education program designed to reduce the harm associated with
youth gambling. |
|
The Approach |
We do not make value judgements regarding gambling; rather, we see it as an activity that
people may or may not engage in. Through harm reduction, we will support young people to make healthy decisions about
gambling. |
|
Who We Serve |
The program will address the needs of youth ages 8 to 24 and people who influence and work
with youth living in the province of Ontario. |
|
We Offer |
- Community awareness sessions
- Presentations to schools and organizations that work with youth
- Educational workshops for:
- parents
- teachers
- health professionals and other agencies/organizations working with youth
- Referral to gambling treatment services
|
|
How The Youth Gambling Program Can Benefit Your Organization
|
- The YMCA is committed to helping youth gain the skills and confidence they need to become healthy, happy and
productive adults;
- The YMCA Youth Gambling Program supports youth to weigh the costs and benefits of gambling by creating and
facilitating a discussion of where gambling fits into young people's lives
- The YMCA Youth Gambling Program supports youth with the skills necessary to continue to be responsible
members of their community
- The YMCA leads communities across the province in building strong kids, strong families, strong communities
Our presentations focus on decision making, coping strategies and asset development; they
support components of the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum. |
|
Signs of Problem Gambling |
- Loss of interest in other activities
- Being Argumentative
- Feeling Irritable and restless
- Feeling anxious, depressed and/or suicidal
- Increased spending/chasing losses
- Increased alcohol or drug use
- Lying, stealing
- Promising to stop but continuing to gamble
- Money appearing and disappearing
|
|
For Your Information |
- Studies of gambling show that adolescents report significantly higher rates of problem gambling than adults;
- Problem gamblers are significantly more likely to start gambling earlier in life than non-problem gamblers;
- Previous findings have shown that gambling patters begin as early as 8 years of age and can be established
before an adolescent reaches high school;
- Research show that youth are less likely to get involved in addiction, polyaddictions or criminalized
behaviours if their coping strategies are enhanced. Our presentation focuses on developing assets.
|
|
For More Information:
|
All Services are FREE
Funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health & Long Term Care - Mental Health & Addictions Branch
|
