The need to start conversations before it's too late is one of the main Responsible Gambling Awareness Week themes.
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Responsible Gambling Awareness Week goes from September 16 to September 22 and two Shoalhaven based organisations hope community members make the most of the program.
Uniting Gambling Help and Mission Australia are two organisations who are funded by the NSW Government to provide gambling and financial counselling services to residents of the Shoalhaven.
Both organisations will be visiting various clubs throughout the area to raise awareness of gambling and gambling harm during Responsible Gambling Awareness Week.
Gambling Counsellor for Mission Australia, Greg, said the week was the perfect time for people to reflect on gambling and learn more about how to gamble responsibly.
"Regardless of whether people gamble occasionally or often, Responsible Gambling Awareness Week is a great time to check-in and start a conversation - don't wait until they're broken to fix it," he said.
Gambling Counsellor for Uniting, Renée, said support was available.
"I encourage our local community to come and talk to us about how to keep gambling in check," she said.
"They can find out about the support that we can offer, including free support from a financial counsellor who can support people who are experiencing financial hardship due to theirs, or someone else's gambling.
"People can also visit the Responsible Gambling website which features a new interactive Check in with the Checkmates platform and game, where you can learn how to spot the warning signs and get some tips and tricks for checking in.
"I recommend people take a look."
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Responsible Gambling Awareness Week 2019 is a NSW Government initiative.
The week provides an important opportunity for the NSW community to understand the signs that gambling may be becoming a problem, and get some tips to check in on their own gambling, and the gambling of friends and family.
The week will be marked by events and activities across the state, including over 24 events supported by the NSW Office of Responsible Gambling.
The Office of Responsible Gambling develops and implements programs and initiatives, funded by the Responsible Gambling Fund, to support responsible gambling and prevent and minimise the risk of gambling-related harm in the community.
For more information on Responsible Gambling Awareness Week and the events in your area visit responsiblegambling.nsw.gov.au.
