Community members to share experiences of harm from online gambling to help others

The Gambling Impact Society (GIS) has launched its Lived Experience Project to help the community better understand harms linked to online gambling by hearing from people with first-hand experience.

The project, funded by the NSW Office of Responsible Gambling, is seeking people from across NSW who have personal experience of online gambling harm to share their story.

Peer educators are supported to deliver one-hour community education sessions across NSW regional centres. Audiences will include community members, welfare services, community groups, health services and corporate organisations.

The Director of the Office of Responsible Gambling, Natalie Wright, said: “We hope to build community awareness of the harm that can be experienced by some people from online gambling through this project, and encourage those struggling to seek help.”

The program harnesses the power of real-life experiences as a powerful tool in helping people understand the impacts problem gambling can have.

“It’s common for people at risk of gambling harm to relate easily to others who have experienced what they are going through and overcome their problem,” Kate Roberts, Executive Officer of GIS, said.

“Starting a conversation can help de-stigmatise the subject of problem gambling and encourage people who are suffering in silence to reach out for help.”

The project is working towards spreading awareness about problem gambling and promoting self-help and professional support to those affected. While helping individuals who may be affected by gambling harm, community and welfare services can also benefit from increased understanding of problem gambling.

This support is part of the NSW Government’s record $25 million funding commitment in 2018/19 to help tackle gambling harm in communities across NSW.

If you are interested in becoming a part of this project, or if you would like more information on the project, please contact Kate Roberts 0401 370 042 or email [email protected].

For more information on the Gambling Impact Society visit www.ginsw.org.au.