GAMBLING AWARENESS DAY SEEKS TO SHINE A RAY OF HOPE
The Hewett Community Centre in association with Relationships Australia are hosting an important event to raise awareness about gambling issues in our community and assist people with a gambling problem.
The Gambling Awareness Day, includes a range of speakers, the screening of a highly awarded documentary, a panel discussion and some insights into ‘mindfulness’ to help people deal with their problem gambling.
A spokesperson for the Hewett Centre said the object of the program is to promote community awareness, discussions and thoughts about gambling and related issues. Local Member of Parliament, Mr Tony Piccolo, has welcomed the event and believes that a very powerful part of the program will be the two speakers who will be sharing their lived experience of gambling.
Mr Piccolo said that he met with one of the speakers last week and was horrified by the pain she had gone through because of her gambling addiction.
“Unfortunately, Carol’s * story is quite common and provides a face to the tragedy that problem gambling has become in our society,” Mr Piccolo said.
“What started off as just some fun playing the pokies with her husband in 1996, Carol’s relationship broke down as her gambling spun out of control,” he said.
“In the end she lost everything, as she started to borrow money to feed her gambling addiction.”
The journey back from being a problem gambler can be a long one, with setbacks not uncommon. Mr Piccolo said the program is focussed on helping people see the light at the end of the tunnel and encouraging them to seek assistance.
“In Carol’s case, she heard about a help program for adult gamblers, then joining Gambler Anonymous for further support.” Carol says while she doesn’t any longer have a problem with gambling, it does require hard work every day, as it would be very easy to ‘slip up’.
“It’s an addiction, so today I still have to be careful,” Carol says. Because of her experience, Carol seeks to help others, and warn people about how easy it is to become addicted. The award winning documentary ‘ Ka Ching, Pokie Nation’ will also be screened.
The documentary exposes the pokies industry impact on the community and those who are problem gamblers.
Mr Piccolo said that he has been told that every problem gambler affects at least seven other people. The free event will be held this Saturday, 9 July 2016, at the Hewett Community Centre at 28 Kingfisher Drive, Hewett from 9:00 am, until 2 pm.
Morning tea and lunch will be provided. To book your place at the event contact the Centre on 85230057 or via email at info@hewettcentre.com.au