Gambling Harm Awareness Week a chance for conversation

WITH the spring racing carnival almost upon us, the community is being urged to talk about the harms associated with gambling.

The theme of this year’s Gambling Harm Awareness Week (October 16-22) is Talk. Share. Support. and it aims to encourage and promote the benefits of open conversations about gambling harm.

The effects of gambling harm can be broad, often leading to financial struggles, relationship difficulties and mental health concerns.

To provide hope and optimism to those affected by gambling harm, Gambling Harm Awareness Week also strives to promote stories of recovery.

Hannah* has lived experience of gambling harm and now encourages others to seek support.

She said her addiction to poker machines affected every aspect of her life.

“I was absolutely out of control with my gambling and my finances, and I felt like a shell of a person,” she said.

“I was losing my soul.”

At the age of 30, Hannah sought help for her gambling from non-profit service organisation Meli (formerly Bethany Community Support).

Meli access and family safety manager Betti Chapelle said gambling harm did not discriminate.

“People of all ages or gender can experience harm,” she said.

“Gambling harm can affect self-esteem, relationships, physical and mental health, work performance and social life.

“Having open discussions with our friends, family and community helps reduce stigma, which can be a barrier to seeking help.”

In the last financial year, 28 per cent of the individuals accessing Meli’s Gambler’s Help services were under the age of 34.

Of those, 8 per cent were under the age of 24.

Meli’s dedicated Gambler’s Help program includes both therapeutic and financial counselling. For Hannah, the program has taught her strategies to make beneficial financial decisions.

She now feels secure in the knowledge that she can manage her gambling urges and that her bills will be paid on time.

“I’ve had quite a good stretch for a couple of years,” Hannah said.

“Gambling is not really a massive part of my life any more.”

She said that it had always been a simple process to re-engage with Meli along her journey.

“The support is there.

“Just reach out because gambling is soul destroying and you lose yourself along the way.

“And if you keep going down that path, you can lose your life to it.”

If gambling harm affects you or someone you know, call Meli on (03) 5278 8122 or call Gambler’s Help (24/7) on 1800 858 858