Ygam celebrate 10th anniversary at House of Lords reception

On Wednesday 16th October, over 100 guests gathered at the House of Lords for a special reception hosted by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster, celebrating Ygam’s 10th anniversary as a charity.

In the Cholmondeley Room and terrace overlooking the River Thames, a diverse group of guests were in attendance, representing organisations that have worked with or benefited from Ygam’s work over the past decade. Among them were representatives from schools, colleges, and universities, as well as the Scouts, the Children’s Commissioner’s Office, BBC Children in Need, Mumsnet, Place2Be, the PSHE Association, and Parent Zone.

Since its inception in 2014, Ygam has trained over 28,000 professionals working with children and young people, enabling the charity to reach an estimated 4.6 million children and young people across the country.

The occasion was encapsulated with a series of keynote speeches, beginning with Baroness Winterton, who delivered a heartfelt reflection on her support for Ygam’s founder, Anne Evans. She poignantly recounted how Anne approached her as a constituent seeking help after the tragic loss of her son, Alan, and the profound journey she undertook to drive societal change.

Baroness Winterton, said: “What started as a heartfelt mission has now become a nationally recognised organisation, making a tangible impact on the lives of young people across the UK. I’m proud to say that Ygam has grown into a respected organisation across all parties in Parliament for its vital work in communities and constituencies throughout the UK. Ygam is now a valued voice and thought leader in this policy area, education, and safeguarding, and I’m confident the Government will be eager to continue engaging with its important work.”

Ygam Chief Executive, Dr Jane Rigbye, then addressed the reception to pay tribute to the individuals and organisations who have been part of the growth and evolution of charity over the past decade.

Dr Jane Rigbye, said: “Ygam has come a long way, evolving into a leader in our field with a proven track record of impact. While today is a moment to reflect on and celebrate the past 10 years, I am filled with excitement to lead Ygam into its next decade. With the continued support of everyone in this room, I’m confident that Ygam will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of young people for many years to come.”

GambleAware’s Chief Executive, Zoe Osmond, delivered the closing speech, emphasising the importance of preventative education and highlighting the credible reputation Ygam has established.

Zoe Osmond, said: “Ygam has established itself as a leading provider of preventative education training and resources across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and more recently in Scotland. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing several members of their team, and I can personally attest to the passion they bring to their work. This passion, combined with their expertise and dedication, makes Ygam’s team — many of whom are former teachers —a truly invaluable asset to our sector.”

Earlier this year, Ygam launched a commemorative fundraising campaign in which staff took on a series of challenges.