Get SMART with GambleAware Hunter New England
GambleAware Hunter New England is a team of dedicated professionals who are facilitating positive changes in our community. They do this through a range of programs, including counselling, care coordination and SMART Recovery Workshops.
More than half of the residents across NSW currently gamble, and for many, the stakes are far from harmless.
In 2024, statistics show that one in five people were negatively impacted by their own or someone else’s gambling.
Meaning, it’s likely that we all know someone who has been affected – it might be ourselves, a colleague, a friend or loved one.
GambleAware Hunter New England is a team of dedicated professionals who are facilitating positive changes in our community. They do this through a range of programs, including counselling, care coordination and SMART Recovery Workshops.
The free service is delivered by CatholicCare Social Services Hunter-Manning in partnership with Centacare New England North West.
Elizabeth “Libby” Ferfoglia, a gambling counsellor of more than 10 years, is responsible for running the SMART Recovery Workshops and believes they make a real difference in the lives of others.
“SMART Recovery is a solution-focused program that offers support for people struggling with the management of various behaviours,” Libby said.
“There's a variety of different things that people wish to change, from online shopping and gambling to alcohol and drug addiction.
“Many of these addictive habit changes can be supported by SMART Recovery.”
The workshops are an alternative to groups like Gamblers Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous.
The sessions are about building and maintaining motivation, coping with urges, managing the behaviours and living a balanced life.
Libby strives to create a welcoming, supportive online environment where you can share your journey and receive advice and support from people who have been in your shoes.
“I'd like to encourage people just to try it, don't be shy and come along,” she said.
“It’s a great opportunity for you to gain some support for yourself.”
More than 120 people have participated in the program over the last few years, often describing it as empowering, flexible, practical and inclusive.
GambleAware Hunter New England runs these online workshops every Friday from 11am to 12.30pm. For more information or to register for a session, please visit www.catholiccare.org.au/GambleAware