Ygam appoints Baroness Rosie Winterton as Patron

The Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust (Ygam) has announced that Baroness Rosie Winterton DBE, former Member of Parliament for Doncaster Central, has agreed to serve as a Patron of the charity. This development represents a significant moment in the organisation’s history, bringing into its fold a political figure whose career has been defined by decades of public service at the highest levels of government and Parliament.

The appointment of Baroness Winterton reflects not only her long-standing connection with Ygam but also her recognition of the urgent need to address gambling-related harm among young people. Her new role will enable her to advocate more widely for the charity’s mission, using her platform in the House of Lords and her influence in wider public life.

Political background and parliamentary service

Baroness Rosie Winterton held the parliamentary seat for Doncaster Central for nearly three decades, representing her constituency from 1997 until 2024. During her parliamentary career, she occupied a variety of prominent ministerial roles under two successive Prime Ministers. Under Tony Blair, she was appointed a Minister in the Department of Health, where she worked on public health policy. Later, under Gordon Brown’s premiership, she served in several ministerial capacities, broadening her experience and political influence.

From 2010 to 2016, she held the crucial role of Labour Chief Whip, a position that requires political acumen, negotiation skills, and the ability to maintain party discipline. In 2017, she was elected by fellow MPs to serve as a Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, a position she held until 2024. Her time in this office was marked by impartiality and respect across party lines, and she earned a reputation for fairness in managing parliamentary proceedings.

As acknowledgement of her long public service, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer put forward her name for a life peerage as part of the 2024 Dissolution Honours. She now sits in the House of Lords, where she continues to contribute to public policy debates and represent causes she has long championed.

A personal connection with Ygam’s founding story

The appointment of Baroness Winterton as Patron is particularly poignant because of her close connection to Ygam’s origins. During her tenure as Member of Parliament for Doncaster Central, she represented Anne Evans, who, along with her husband Keith, co-founded Ygam. Anne and Keith’s decision to establish the charity followed the tragic loss of their son Alan, who died by suicide after struggling with a severe gambling addiction.

Anne Evans turned her personal grief into a mission to protect others from the same fate. Seeking to raise awareness and expand access to education on gambling-related harms, she reached out to Baroness Winterton, who became an ally and supporter. Over time, their professional relationship developed into a friendship, and Baroness Winterton played a pivotal role in helping Anne bring her vision to life.

By supporting Anne during Ygam’s formative years, Baroness Winterton helped ensure that the voices of families affected by gambling harm were heard in Parliament and in wider society. Today, that legacy continues, with Ygam recognized as a trusted authority in gambling harm education.

The mission of Ygam and its growing influence

Ygam was established to safeguard children, young people, and vulnerable groups by providing education about gambling harms. Its programs are designed to build awareness, resilience, and knowledge, equipping educators, parents, and professionals with tools to help protect the next generation.

Over the years, Ygam has expanded its reach across the United Kingdom, working with schools, universities, local authorities, and community organisations. The charity has also collaborated with regulators, health professionals, and policymakers to ensure that gambling-related harms are addressed as part of wider public health strategies.

Ygam has positioned itself as a leader in the field, focusing on evidence-based education and training. Its resources are developed with input from academics, practitioners, and individuals with lived experience of gambling harm. This multi-stakeholder approach has given the charity credibility and trustworthiness within the education and health sectors.

The significance of Baroness Winterton’s new role

Baroness Winterton’s decision to accept the position of Patron provides Ygam with a figure who embodies both political gravitas and personal commitment to the cause. Her parliamentary experience, cross-party respect, and ability to influence public debate will be invaluable as the charity continues its mission.

In her own words, Baroness Winterton explained the personal significance of this role:

“It is an honour to become Patron of this remarkable charity. Over a decade ago, my constituents Anne and Keith Evans turned their family’s tragedy into a beacon of hope and a force for change through Ygam. Since then, I have seen Ygam grow and witnessed first-hand the incredible work they do. Ygam are the trusted experts in this field, and their work is needed more than ever. Following Anne’s passing earlier this year, it feels like a deeply poignant honour to be asked, and I am determined to continue her legacy in any way I can. Anne truly inspired me, and I hope I can make her proud.”

Her words reflect not only admiration for the Evans family but also a recognition that the issue of gambling harms remains a pressing social challenge requiring sustained advocacy.

Voices from Ygam’s leadership

The announcement was also welcomed by Helen Martin, Interim CEO of Ygam, who highlighted both Baroness Winterton’s longstanding support and her potential to strengthen the charity’s impact:

“We are proud to welcome someone of Baroness Winterton’s profile and experience as a Patron of our charity. Her unwavering support for Ygam since our inception has been invaluable, and her passion for improving the lives of children and young people aligns perfectly with our mission and ethos. Through her relationship with Anne, she understands what is at the heart of Ygam. She also brings a wealth of experience, insight, and an impressive network that will help us amplify our voice, impact, and reach.”

This endorsement reflects a mutual respect and a shared commitment to preventing gambling harms, particularly among young people.

The broader context of gambling harm awareness

The announcement of Baroness Winterton’s patronage comes at a time when gambling and its societal impact are under renewed scrutiny. In the UK, concerns about gambling-related harm have led to a series of regulatory reforms and public debates. With the rise of online gambling platforms, sports betting advertising, and gaming features that blur the lines between entertainment and gambling, children and young adults are considered increasingly vulnerable.

Ygam’s work sits at the intersection of these debates, providing educational initiatives aimed at prevention rather than cure. Unlike treatment services, Ygam focuses on equipping individuals and communities with the knowledge to identify risks early and avoid harmful behaviours. By combining education with advocacy, the charity helps to foster a safer environment for young people.

Continuing the legacy of Anne Evans

For Ygam, the involvement of Baroness Winterton carries symbolic weight, particularly following the passing of Anne Evans earlier this year. Anne’s story remains central to Ygam’s identity, and the continuation of her vision by someone she regarded as both a friend and ally ensures that her legacy remains alive within the charity’s mission.

Baroness Winterton’s patronage represents both continuity and renewal: continuity with the founding story of Ygam and renewal through her ability to bring fresh energy and political influence to the cause.

Looking ahead

As Ygam moves forward, it will continue to face the challenge of ensuring that its message reaches diverse audiences—from policymakers and educators to parents and young people themselves. The addition of Baroness Winterton as Patron strengthens the organisation’s capacity to influence these groups and ensures that its message will continue to resonate at both local and national levels.

With gambling harm continuing to affect individuals and families across the UK, the charity’s mission remains urgent. The support of high-profile figures like Baroness Winterton not only enhances its credibility but also ensures that the issue remains on the agenda of decision-makers.

Conclusion

The appointment of Baroness Rosie Winterton as Patron of Ygam marks an important milestone in the charity’s ongoing mission to prevent gambling-related harms among young people. Her decades of political experience, coupled with her personal connection to Ygam’s founding story, make her uniquely positioned to champion the cause in Parliament and beyond.

By aligning her commitment with the vision of Anne Evans and the wider Ygam community, Baroness Winterton’s involvement ensures that the charity’s message continues to be heard at the highest levels of public life. As gambling-related risks evolve and new challenges emerge, her patronage strengthens Ygam’s capacity to advocate, educate, and protect the next generation.

In combining lived experience, education, and political advocacy, Ygam continues to uphold its role as a trusted leader in this vital area. With Baroness Winterton as Patron, the organisation is well-placed to expand its influence, safeguard young people, and carry forward the legacy of its founders into the future.

FAQs

What is Ygam?
Ygam, the Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust, is a UK-based charity dedicated to preventing gambling-related harms through education and training.

Who is Baroness Rosie Winterton?
Baroness Rosie Winterton is a former MP for Doncaster Central, a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, and now a life peer in the House of Lords.

Why did Ygam appoint Baroness Winterton as Patron?
She was appointed due to her long-standing support for Ygam, her connection with co-founder Anne Evans, and her extensive experience in public service.

What role will Baroness Winterton play at Ygam?
As Patron, she will act as an ambassador for the charity, helping to raise its profile, influence policy, and support its mission to prevent gambling harms.

How is Baroness Winterton connected to Ygam’s history?
She was the constituency MP for Anne Evans, who co-founded Ygam after losing her son Alan to gambling addiction, and she supported the charity from its inception.

What are Ygam’s main objectives?
Ygam aims to protect young people from gambling-related harms by providing education, resources, and training to educators, parents, and communities.

How does Ygam’s work differ from treatment services?
Ygam focuses on prevention and education, equipping individuals with knowledge and awareness to avoid harm, while treatment services address existing problems.

Why is gambling harm education important today?
With the rise of online gambling and gaming features, young people face increased risks, making education and awareness crucial for prevention.

What impact has Ygam made so far?
Ygam has established itself as a trusted authority, delivering training, building partnerships, and reaching thousands of young people across the UK.

How does Baroness Winterton’s appointment affect Ygam’s future?
Her involvement strengthens Ygam’s voice in Parliament and beyond, ensuring greater visibility and influence for the charity’s mission.