Gambling Problems? You Are Not Alone
You Are Not Alone is a new gambling help website providing Culturally and Linguistically Diverse individuals, families and communities experiencing gambling problems to find the right help that best suits their circumstances.
Gambling as a recreational activity, with increased accessibility, is enjoyed by many people. However, gambling can create negative social and economic impacts and stigma for some people, as well as their family members, friends, workplaces and communities.
Relationships Australia SA is a leading provider of gambling help services and understands the devastating effects gambling can have. Through its PEACE Multicultural Services, we have been able to target Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) individuals, families and communities who are experiencing gambling harm.
In 2015, the PEACE Multicultural Service launched the first ever Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Gambling Action Plan 2015 following extensive consultation with South Australian CALD communities. The Action Plan was funded by the Gamblers Rehabilitation Fund, through the Office for Problem Gambling.
Outcomes from the Action Plan included new initiatives to deliver messages to CALD communities about gambling harm. One of those initiatives was the Community Ambassadors Project.
“We have trained over twenty PEACE Community Ambassadors from diverse backgrounds to work in the communities to raise awareness about gambling issues,” said Enaam Oudih, Manager of PEACE Multicultural Services. “As part of their work, the PEACE Community Ambassadors have helped PEACE Multicultural Services to create a new gambling help website called You Are Not Alone.”
You Are Not Alone was chosen as the name for the website by clients and affected community members to reflect their positive experiences of seeking help from PEACE Multicultural Services.
The Hon Zoe Bettison, MP, Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion will attend the graduation of the first round of PEACE Community Ambassadors and launch the You Are Not Alone website on 25 October 2016, at the Cypriot Hall in Welland.
For more information about gambling help support available for all South Australians, please visit www.problemgambing.sa.gov.au or call the Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858.
