Many Central Coast families are dealing with stress and misery unnecessarily because they either are unaware of a local counselling service to help problem gamblers or are reluctant to seek help.
There are an estimated 500,000 problem gamblers in Australia but only about 15% of these people seek help. UnitingCare Unifam’s Gosford and Wyong-based Gambling Help Counselling Service offers free, face-to-face counselling for problem gamblers as well as affected family members. It includes an online service that allows clients to talk anonymously with a counsellor. The service is funded through the NSW Government’s Responsible Gambling Fund.
Gambling Help Counselling Service coordinator Lincoln Poole encourages anyone who is concerned about their own gambling activity or concerned for a family member or friend to use the service. “If you are struggling with gambling or know a family member or friend who is struggling, let them know that help is available and that they do not have to suffer alone,” Mr Poole said. “By helping your friend or family member address their problems before they reach crisis point, you can make a real difference in their lives.
“Problem gambling is everyone’s business and you can be part of the solution.” If left unaddressed, problem gambling can lead to a host of issues including depression or suicidal thoughts, feelings of isolation and despair, relationship conflict, separation and divorce, financial difficulties, loss of friendships, health and fitness problems, social and lifestyle issues, poor work performance or unemployment and loss of reputation. The family of someone with a gambling problem may also experience a range of challenges and difficult emotions.
Mr Poole said the Gambling Help Service offered a compassionate and specialised model of counselling to help minimise the negative impacts of gambling. Unifam also runs family and relationship counselling services on the Central Coast. For free and confidential problem gambling support in the Central Coast region, call Unifam on 4325 9666.
Media release,
27 Apr 2015 Mark Filmer,
UnitingCare NSW ACT