The following information on this page can help you to find appropriate support services, or recommend these services to other people affected by problem gambling.
What is Gambler's Help?
What is counselling?
What is financial counselling?
What is Gambler's Help?
Gambler's Help is a free, professional and confidential service for people and families affected by gambling problems.
Gambler's Help offers the following services:
Immediate telephone help
People affected by gambling can call a telephone helpline to access advice on how to stop gambling or cope with gambling harm. The telephone helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Calls are free and are not listed on telephone bills. Interpreters are available free of charge.
Individual counselling
Professionally-trained counsellors are available for face-to-face meetings, with interpreters if necessary. They can provide ongoing support if needed.
Couple and family counselling
People can access counselling with their family members or friends. Counselling is also available to people who are affected by someone else's gambling problems.
Financial counselling
Clients can get help with managing their finances, negotiating with creditors and maintaining a budget.
Support groups
Clients may wish to join a support group.
Referral
Clients can be referred to welfare or settlement support services or educational activities if needed.
Community education
Gambler's Help community educators can speak to community groups and organisations about preventing or managing problem gambling.
Gambler's Help is offers services across Victoria. The Multicultural Gambler's Help Program works closely with Gambler's Help services to ensure that they can support people of all cultures.
What is counselling?
Counselling is an opportunity for a person to talk about their issues and concerns and receive advice or guidance from a qualified professional.
Professional counselling can help people affected by problem gambling to:
- understand how the problem has developed
- identify ways to control or stop gambling
- manage issues such as depression or stress
- access other services they need
Counselling for problem gambling is free and confidential. Clients have the option to speak to a counsellor either face to face or over the telephone, and interpreters can be organised if necessary.
Families or friends of people with gambling problems can also access and benefit from counselling.
What is financial counselling?
Financial counsellors have skills and knowledge in laws relating to finances. They can offer clients practical advice on their financial situation including income, expenses and debts.
The financial counsellor can provide information about rights and responsibilities regarding credit and loan contracts, fines, bankruptcy, utility bills, mortgage and rent payment, and social security entitlements.
Financial counsellors are experienced in dealing with creditors and can negotiate on a client's behalf with government departments, banks, finance companies, utility companies and landlords.
Call Gambler's Help on 1800 858 858 or visit www.problemgambling.vic.gov.au