Free counselling. Responsible Gambling Awareness Week
UnitingCare Queensland’s Cairns Financial Resilience and Wellbeing Service are reminding locals about their free and confidential counselling services this Responsible Gambling Awareness Week.
UnitingCare Queensland Financial Resilience and Wellbeing Manager Jodie Logovik said problem gambling could affect anyone and they were reminding people that local support was available.
“We know that $11.6 million went through the pokies in Cairns alone last month, while millions of dollars were spent on other forms of gambling like sports betting, so we know this is a significant local issue,” Ms Logovik said.
“With all addictions people can feel like they are alone, but we want to stress that support is readily available and many people have turned their problem gambling around.”
UnitingCare Queensland Financial Resilience and Wellbeing Service provides support in many forms including free 1-on-1 face to face counselling or over the phone.
“I’d say to anyone considering accessing our counselling service that we have really seen it all,” Ms Logovik said.
“There is nothing to be embarrassed about and what you decide to do or not to do is up to you.”
Ms Logovik said that some people may not know that UnitingCare Queensland’s Financial Resilience and Wellbeing Service is also free for family members and friends affected by gambling.
“Friends and family can often be the silent victims of problem gambling,” she explained.
“We very specifically open our counselling support up to parents, friends, partners, siblings and children who would like to discuss their own situation and get advice and support.
“Responsible Gambling Awareness Week is a great time to examine habits and take action if gambling is no longer a habit you want in your life.”
To access the free counselling service please call 07 4050 4988.
Media contact:
Phoebe Grealy
About UnitingCare Queensland
UnitingCare Queensland provides health and community services to thousands of people every day of the year through its service groups, UnitingCare Child and Family Services, UnitingCare Hospitals, BlueCare and ARRCS (Australian Regional and Remote Community Services).
As the health and community service provider of the Uniting Church we have supported Queensland communities for over 100 years. Our 17 400 employees and 9 200 volunteers care for and support people from all walks of life, including older people, people with a disability, children, families and Indigenous people.
For more information about UnitingCare Queensland please visit: www.unitingcareqld.com.au
