Gambling Harm Awareness Week
Gambling can start out as fun, but there is a point for everyone where it can become ‘unfun’. Gambling harm can escalate quickly, damaging relationships, whānau, finances and hopes for the future.
This Gambling Harm Awareness Week we encourage you to take time out from gambling, and put time into whānau. Evidence shows that spending time with a loved one and sharing rewarding activities together (like going for a walk together, or sharing kai) is a practical way to distract you from gambling and help to beat gambling harm.
Gambling Harm Awareness Week is also a good time to take our quiz to see whether your gambling is still just for fun. If your gambling is starting to become unfun, there are heaps of ways to get help!. The Gambling Helpline team can be contacted for free anytime 24/7. There are also free face-to-face help and support services available in your local community.
Free family-friendly events near you:
We will be updating this section with events being held around the country for Gambling Harm Awareness Week 2019 – check back soon!. Or visit the Choice Not Chance Facebook page for more information.
| Where | When | Place | Event name | Brought to you by |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Mount Wellington, Auckland |
Monday 2 September 2019, 5.30-8pm |
Auckland City Salvation Army, 18 Allright Place, Mount Wellington | Whanau Movie Night | The Salvation Army Oasis, Auckland |
| Fielding | Wednesday 4 September 2019, 3-5pm |
Fielding Civic Centre | Family Fun Event | Whakapai Hauora, Best Care |
| Mangere, Auckland | Thursday 5 September 2019, 10:15am-2pm | Mangere Town Centre | Family Fun Day | South Seas Health Care Trust |
| Christchurch | Monday 2 September 2019, 10am - 4pm | Tūranga Central Library |
Creative Activities
|
The Problem Gambling Foundation (PGF) and The Salvation Army Oasis |
| Nelson | Monday 2 September 2019, 10am - 12.30pm | Trafalgar Street Nelson | Family Fun Time | Nelson Problem Gambling Services |
| Nelson | Tuesday 3 September 2019, 9.30am - 12pm | Elma Turner Library | Family Fun Time | Nelson Problem Gambling Services |
| Nelson | Wednesday 4 September 2019, 9.30am-12pm | Tasman District Libraries | Family Fun Time | Nelson Problem Gambling Services |
| Nelson | Thursday 5 September 2019, 8.45-9.15am and 2.45-3.15pm | Victory Community Centre | Family Fun Time | Nelson Problem Gambling Services |
| Nelson | Friday 6 September 2019, 9am- 12pm | Motueka Public Library | Family Fun Time | Nelson Problem Gambling Services |
| Check back soon for more event details |
Pause the pokies – make time for whānau
This year PGF Services is running an initiative called Pause the Pokies which invites gambling venues to turn off their pokie machines for one hour during Gambling Harm Awareness Week.
Pause the Pokies gives gambling venues an opportunity to stand in solidarity with individuals, families and the community around the issue of gambling harm. It is hoped that this small interruption will cause gamblers to pause, reflect and seek help and support from free, local and confidential face-to-face support services.
For information on how to get involved go to the PGF Services website.