We welcomed two speakers to Notley High & Braintree Sixth Form on Tuesday 14 January 2020 to talk to students from Years 10 - 13 across the morning, with a focus on problem gambling and gambling addiction.

Scott Davies and Patrick Foster, both former professional sportsmen with backgrounds in football and cricket respectively, spoke openly and honestly about their experiences of addiction to gambling. The ways their addiction took over their lives and the costs this brought them both personally and professionally were outlined to students in very moving talks. With gambling and problem gambling very much in the news at the moment, this was a timely point to consider the issue and the ways in which students can seek support for their mental health at any stage in their lives if they or anyone they know is struggling with problem gambling at any stage in their lives. We look forward to working further with EPIC Risk Management, who Scott and Patrick represent, in their ongoing work to support and advise young people on the risks involved in gambling.

Mrs M Townsend
Assistant Headteacher – KS5