A New Model Of Self-Help Support For Gamblers And Their Families

As many would already be aware, the Gambling Impact Society (NSW) Inc. was developed from a number of self-help initiatives taken by gamblers, family and interested professionals over the past four years with the Society officially commencing operations in July 2000. One of the Society’s aims is to increase community awareness and support for people who have been impacted by gambling in their lives.

GIS(NSW) Inc. has therefore decided to develop some new options of self-help support and will be piloting these in the Shoalhaven Area with a view to developing a Statewide network over the coming year. In conjunction with the Shoalhaven Gambling Recovery Program (Nowra Community Health Service) the Society will be establishing a support group for gamblers, family and friends in the Ulladulla region.

This is in direct response to a study recently conducted by the Ulladulla Community Resource Centre (funded by the CCBF) that highlighted the lack of services for gamblers and their families in the area. The report demonstrated a population of problem gamblers three times the National average and yet no service located in the area to meet this need.

Whilst some services provide outreach or telephone counselling to the area, the report identified a need for services to be actually located in the immediate vicinity. The GIS will therefore be working with local community service providers, gamblers and their families, in a community development manner, to address these gaps in service provision.

In the first instance it is hoped to be able to offer the community a self-help group. The aim will be to have an open group for both gamblers and their families to attend regular meetings where both education and personal support can be gained.

Without pre-empting the exact type of group, as this is still to be developed with members, it is envisaged that participants can use the group to gain practical information and skills in coping with gambling in their lives. A joint approach working with both family and gamblers is seen as creating opportunities for a holistic approach to the problem and providing support for all those involved.

Unlike some other support groups, the aim with these groups is create both informal and formal links with other gambling and community services so that members can gain practical support and up to date information from others working in the field. It is envisaged that this may take a variety of forms in different localities but could include formal facilitation type roles through to assistance arranging guest speakers, educational sessions or informal talks. Each group is likely to develop its own relationships but would be under the umbrella of the GIS(NSW) Inc. which would be able to provide information on State links, information on how to set up a group and other coordination support as the network develops.

The GIS acknowledges the excellent work done by other support groups in the field of gambling, particularly the twelve step groups, but believes that some gamblers and families are looking for group support within other frameworks and to this end the GIS (NSW) Inc. seeks to provide an additional model for support. The GIS hopes that by establishing such a network across the State, both gamblers, families and gambling services will be able to work closely together on self– help initiatives and that the GIS will be able to direct people to where they can access their local group.

Obviously there is still much work to be done to see this come to fruition, but by piloting this initiative in Ulladulla we hope to start a chain reaction and encourage others who may also be interested in setting up similar groups to contact us so we can assist and support other local initiatives. From small acorns ...to oaks!

If you are interested in finding out more or would like to know how to go about setting up a group in your area contact the Society on 02 44 215 077

Disclaimer - The opinions expressed in this website are not necessarily those held by the Gambling Impact Society (NSW) Inc. No responsibility will be accepted for anything that may occur as a result of anyone relying on the information and opinions contained in the website.