Support for people harmed by gaming and gambling

A SPECIAL performance by Three Sides of the Coin will be hosted by Golden Plains Shire Council this Gambling Harm Awareness Week.

Happily Ever After will feature the stories of two women personally harmed by gambling.

They will share their stories to challenge stigma and highlight the links between gambling, alcohol and drugs, mental health, and family violence.

A Golden Plains Shire spokesperson said the council’s health and wellbeing staff were successful in obtaining a grant from VicHealth for a gambling harm minimisation project for the Shire.

“This includes the development of a council-wide gambling harm minimisation policy and widespread education for service providers, sporting clubs, senior students and community members across the Shire,” said the spokesperson.

“Raising awareness of the harms gambling can cause and how to get help is vital for supporting our community to minimise gambling harm.

“In addition to the Three Sides of the Coin event held during Gambling Harm Awareness Week, Golden Plains Shire is also delivering the WISE UP! Live Smart, Stay Safe and Age Strong session as well as Be Ahead of the Game with all the registration details available on our website.”

Cafs Ballarat staff will talk about gaming and gambling in the local context, followed by the performance.

“Performance scenes are devised based on people’s lived experiences,” said the spokesperson.

“They share their stories to challenge stigma and highlight links between gambling, alcohol and drugs, mental health, and family violence.

“The Mayor will also attend to introduce the event and talk about the Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy.

“This is an opportunity to come together as a community to understand the risks of gambling and share personal stories of hope, which can be a powerful way to reduce stigma and support those who may need to seek help.

“These events aim to better educate our communities on the topic of gambling harm.

“It means people can feel better able to seek help for either themselves a friend or loved one who may be experiencing gambling harm.

“Golden Plains Shire Council is required under The Victorian Local Government Act 2020, to provide the best outcomes for the community, including seeking to protect communities from the risks and harms associated with gambling.

“Council is also required under The Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008, to protect, improve and promote health and wellbeing including preventing and controlling public health risk.”

Happily Ever After will be held at Golden Plains Civic Centre, 2 Pope Street Bannockburn, on Wednesday 29 October from 11.30am to 1.30pm.

The event is free. For further information contact Kaitlin Broadley at Golden Plains Shire on 5220 7111 or [email protected].