GambleAware Hunter New England is a free counselling and gambling-related support service for people who gamble, and their families and friends. You don't have to gamble to ask for help – this service is open to anyone impacted by gambling. GambleAware is funded by the NSW Office of Responsible Gambling.
Our support includes:
- Counselling
- Case Management and care coordination
- Financial counselling and consultation
- SMART recovery groups
- Self-exclusions
- Gambling awareness workshops
- Financial Literacy workshops
- Parent and Carer workshops
How do I know if gambling is a problem?
Most people gamble at one time or another. It may be on poker machines, at the TAB, online betting or on the lotteries. For many people gambling is fun, entertaining and causes no harm. However, for some people, gambling can become a problem. Gambling can be harmful for the person who gambles, their family and their friends.
If gambling is causing stress or anxiety, it might be a sign that it's a problem. Other signs that gambling is causing harm are:
- feeling guilty, anxious or depressed about gambling
- losing control of how much time or money is spent on gambling
- withdrawing from family and friends
- trying to win back losses by continuing to gamble
- borrowing money or selling valuables to gamble
- falling behind with bills or signing up for new credit cards
- thinking about gambling every day
- lying about gambling.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these signs, you can contact GambleAware Hunter New England for free confidential support and information.
Any change can be difficult and takes a lot of effort and courage. If you are considering taking the first step, we are here to help with advice and guidance throughout your journey.
GambleAware Hunter New England offers face-to-face, telehealth or video call support and can provide specialised support services for those who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and people who speak languages other than English.
If you are not ready to talk to a counsellor, you can speak to a care coordinator to help with self-exclusion, self-help resources and provide support for family and friends on what actions they can take if they are worried about a loved one's gambling.
Contact us
You can contact GambleAware Hunter New England for more information, to self-refer, to refer a client, or to request a community engagement or education activity via:
P: 1800 497 065
E: gambleaware@catholiccare.org.au
W: online referral form
The Team
The GambleAware Hunter New England team consists of:
- Client Intake Officer as the first point of contact to help identify needs and connect clients to the appropriate supports
- Community Engagement and Care Coordinators to provide case management, brief intervention and work with the community
- Counsellors to provide evidence-based psychological counselling
- Financial counsellors/consultants to provide financial literacy training, skill-building and associated advocacy.
