Problem gambling and gambling addiction is a serious but often overlooked issue both in Finland and Cyprus. An estimated 124 000 residents (3,3%) in Finland have a gambling problem and nearly 20% of Finnish residents has a relative whose gambling was out of control. A recent school survey published in spring 2017 showed that 7.1% of eighth and ninth graders said they gambled once or twice weekly. The study released by Cyprus' National Betting Authority in March 2018 showed alarming figures e.g. 13 % of gamblers show symptoms of possible problematic behaviour and 6% can be described as pathological gamblers. On average, Cypriots start playing games of chance at the age of 12.5 with 31% saying they first partook in a gambling activity with their father and 19% with their mother. Cypriot pupils, both boys and girls gamble the most out of all pupils in the EU.

This project aims to improve the understanding, competence and ability of both organisations to support their target groups and work with young people. This will be the achieved by organising different LTT activities (training, workshops, study visits) in both Finland and Cyprus. The focus will be at developing and promoting quality youth work in both organisations. Sosped Foundation and YEU Cyprus will organize a training in Cyprus to increase the awareness about problem gambling and introduce an effective model for tackling the problem locally. A second training will take place in Finland involving new and effective ways to reach and help young people. The goal is to find new ways to raise awareness among youth through non- formal education and experiential learning.

The first training course will be implement in Larnaca in Cyprus between 10-15 of June with the aim to explore how to tackle problem gambling in youth work and we are looking for 8 young people to join it.