November 2002

Gambling help for older women

Older women with a gambling problem in Melbourne’s south and south-east can now access support closer to home through a new community partnership project funded by the Government.

Exercising a Wiser Choice, an initiative by Gambler’s Help Southern, City of Kingston and Women’s Health in the South-East, was launched by Community Services Minister Bronwyn Pike.

‘It will focus on prevention and early intervention of problem gambling, targeting older women with clear risk factors such as social isolation, low income and regular gambling patterns.

‘Exercising a Wiser Choice will assist them through active recreation opportunities leading to friendships, social networks and the availability of gambling and health information,’ she said.

‘It will refer women to Gambler’s Help Services, where necessary, for counselling and support.’

Ms Pike said the project was part of the Government’s Problem Gambling Community Partnership Strategy which addresses gambling issues in local communities.

‘The partnership strategy is designed to build on positive outcomes of the Problem Gambling Communication Strategy and to boost local knowledge of problem gambling issues and services.

‘These partnerships aim to bring together government, community organisations and local groups to tackle problem gambling and reduce its impact on individuals and families.

‘This project is a terrific example of the types of activities expected to be developed as part of the Problem Gambling Community Partnership Strategy.

‘Exercising a Wiser Choice’s three partners found through local research that poker machines are a problem for older women in Melbourne’s south and south-east.

‘Lonely or isolated women are especially vulnerable.

‘Older women and migrant and indigenous women in this region have a very real need for new friendships and recreational activities other than the pokies.

‘By joining in sport, social and recreational activities, older women problem gamblers can make friends and networks and regain a sense of community that playing poker machines can erode.’