GambleAware Statewide Multicultural Service Provider Appointed
A service provider has been appointed to support the provision of multicultural services for the Office of Responsible Gambling’s flagship GambleAware program.
Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) will be working with GambleAware Providers to deliver culturally appropriate counselling and support services from 1 January 2022 for people experiencing gambling harm across NSW’s diverse communities.
WSLHD have more than 20 years’ experience delivering multicultural services through the Transcultural Mental Health Centre and previously operated the state wide Multicultural Problem Gambling Service.
WSLHD Chief Executive Graeme Loy said, “We’re looking forward to working with all GambleAware Providers across NSW to build capacity to support multicultural communities and deliver culturally appropriate services.”
“Our goal is to ensure that anyone who needs help can speak to someone in the language they are most comfortable with, and who understands both their culture and community.”
The GambleAware multicultural service complements the NSW Government’s broader GambleAware program, which provides free and confidential counselling to anyone in NSW experiencing gambling harm.
The new multicultural service will start on 1 January 2022 and will undertake a range of activities, including:
- working with GambleAware Providers to increase cultural capability and deliver culturally responsive service
- fostering connections between multicultural services and GambleAware Providers in each region
- partnering with GambleAware providers to deliver tailored community education and awareness activities for multicultural communities
- providing counselling and support for clients who are experiencing gambling harm in over 40 community languages, where a GambleAware provider is unable to provide support in that language.
Office of Responsible Gambling Director Natalie Wright said that issues with gambling affect all communities in NSW, particularly those from culturally diverse backgrounds, and everyone should be supported when facing gambling harm.
“It’s important that our services can reach everyone who needs them,” said Ms Wright.
"No matter your background, you are able to access appropriate support in the language and setting that best suits you."
Research funded by the Office of Responsible Gambling found culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities are vulnerable to increased risks of gambling related harm. Individuals from these communities tend to participate in gambling less than the overall population but, when they do, are more likely to experience problems.
Intersecting factors can also combine to generate higher incidence of gambling harm in CALD communities. For example: different beliefs about luck and chance; migration stressors; issues around stigma and shame; and lower rates of people seeking treatment.
Mr Loy said “Given these vulnerabilities, this partnership is a great opportunity to connect multicultural communities across NSW with vital support services.”
To learn more about GambleAware, visit gambleaware.nsw.gov.au.
