GAMBLING HELP SERVICE

Various forms of gambling can be a pleasant pastime when it is a controlled social activity. Unfortunately for some people they are unable to control their gambling habits which can in turn cause serious harm to the family unit and the community at large, which necessitates the family to seek support for the family member or the family itself.

AFSS operates a Gambling Help Service in Port Augusta, Coober Pedy, the Riverland, the Murraylands and Adelaide Metropolitan areas. AFSS Gambling Help Service workers work in these Aboriginal communities to raise the awareness of problem gambling, establish links with gaming venues and other service providers for referral of those seeking help, to provide counselling and support. 

The ‘Safe Bet’ program is an early intervention and education based program that is designed to increase community awareness of the issues surrounding problem gambling and to help minimise the potential harm of problem gambling on the family unit. The underlying principle is to explore other safer options and to develop skills in a culturally sensitive manner which will ultimately enable the individual to take control of their own behaviour and habits.
The program is usually run in community groups over an eight week period and is activity based to promote the idea of finding an alternative focus to uncontrolled gambling. The program is also designed to support the individual and or family member through counselling, advocacy, alternative treatments and individual support.

Senior Manager, Corporate Services
Aboriginal Family Support Services
134 Waymouth Street
Adelaide  SA  5000
Telephone 08 8205 1500 or Fax 08 8212 1123
Email: afss@afss.com.au