23 Oct 2024
On Thursday 6 June the Gambling Harm Support SA (GHS SA) and the South Australian Financial Counselling Association (SAFCA) delivered its first gambling harm awareness training day for the financial wellbeing sector.
The need for such training was sparked by research showing that by the time someone reaches the gambling help service system they are typically in crisis, or ‘have hit rock bottom’, experiencing severe financial problems, psychological distress, and in some cases suicidality.
The training day began with a lived experience panel describing their experience of gambling harm and engaging with the financial wellbeing sector. It sought to inspire participants to intervene in gambling harm. Participants were shown how to ask clients about gambling and what to do if they find it.
Attendees were given a diverse range of resources and opportunities for them to practice their skills.
At the end of the event, attendees were instructed to ask three people to tell the group one thing they would take away from the day. This is what they said:
- they didn’t know that for many gamblers money loses its value while they are betting – it’s only later when the true cost of their behaviour becomes clear;
- there is great diversity in the gambling help service system – and they made great connections with people they feel comfortable calling after the event;
- there’s lots of ways to ask about gambling harm – the most important thing is to ask, and we shouldn’t be frightened or uncomfortable. For many gamblers, being asked about harm brings about great feelings of relief.”
To download available resources, visit resources for the allied sector