Help for problem gamblers

Partners, family and friends of problem gamblers are being urged to seek information and assistance from the NSW Government’s Gambling Help services as part of Responsible Gambling Awareness Week (RGAW) activities, May 17 to 22.

South Sydney Leagues Club’s Chair, Bill Alexiou Hucker, has come on board to support RGAW by working with HopeStreet. The Club is welcoming gambling counsellors into the Long Room (above the Park Cafe in Redfern Park) to talk to anyone concerned about gambling. During the week problem gambling counsellors, financial and legal counsellors will be in the Long Room from 2pm till 7pm each day to provide support and practical advice to family and friends caring about their loved one’s gambling. Everyone is welcome to come up and have a confidential chat. Resources, DVDs and gambling help contacts will be available.

The message of RGAW is simple: (1) Educate yourself on the signs and symptoms of problem gambling by calling Gambling Help on 1800 858 858 or visiting www.gamblinghelp.nsw.gov.au . The more aware you are, the earlier you and your loved one can begin working on the problem, the better the outcomes are likely to be. (2) Gambling Help is here to help you as well as the problem gambler in your life. The impact on friends, partners and family can often be confusing and traumatic. Counsellors are available by phone or live online 24 hours a day, and face-to-face in most communities in NSW. All counselling is free and confidential. There is also a free legal service based at Wesley Mission in Surry Hills that can be accessed by loved ones as well as problem gamblers. This service can be a practical first step in protecting your assets and dealing with legal troubles caused by gambling.

Source: South Sydney Herald May 2010 www.southsydneyherald.com.au