A new initiative by the graduates University of Bristol is aiming to dismantle the culture of silence surrounding campus gambling.
Developed by recent graduates of University of Bristol, Benjamin Parker and Jordan White, the educational toolkit titled “From Freshers’ Week to Losing Streak” focuses on early intervention and peer-to-peer support.
Addressing the “Hidden” Problem
The project was born from research conducted at the university’s Hub for Gambling Harms. Unlike traditional campaigns that focus on extreme addiction, this toolkit highlights everyday behaviors and subtle warning signs that often go unnoticed during the university experience.
The initiative addresses a specific social imbalance: students often share wins openly while concealing losses. This creates a false perception of financial stability among peer groups. The toolkit encourages students to reflect on their habits and provides university staff with clearer protocols for recognizing and responding to gambling-related stress.
Integrated Support Framework
With £8,000 in funding from Runway, a university-backed incubator, the creators have moved from research to practical implementation. The project is designed to integrate into existing welfare systems rather than acting as a standalone service.
To ensure professional oversight, the team is collaborating with Ara Recovery For All, a charity specializing in gambling harm across the South West and Wales. This partnership ensures that students identified through the toolkit have a direct pathway to specialist clinical support and financial counseling.
The initiative reflects a growing recognition within higher education that gambling harm overlaps significantly with mental health and academic performance, requiring a structural, proactive response.
