Health
Generic public health competencies have been developed by the Public Health Association of New Zealand. The generic competencies for public health were developed to provide a minimum baseline set of competencies common to all public health roles across the public health disciplines, including the problem gambling public health sector. Often people who gamble are also affected by other mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, so you may need help with these too. Gambling also hurts other people close to you. Every gambler affects between 5 and 10 other people. If you live with someone who gambles, it’s important that you also get help and support for yourself. Mental health problems; Suicide. Measures to limit problem gambling A key intention of the Gambling Act 2003 is controlling the growth of gambling, and preventing and minimising the harm caused by gambling. To support this, the Gambling (Harm Prevention and Minimisation) Regulations, last amended in March 2015, contain a range of measures. Gambling Helpline - Pasifika. 24/7 support by phone, email, web and text for those worried about gambling or the gambling of others. Open today 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM. Phone 0800 654 657.
The Government has today announced its updated national strategy to prevent and minimise gambling harm, says Associate Minister of Health Jenny Salesa.
“Gambling harm is a serious mental health issue. This work is directly linked to the wellbeing of New Zealanders and supports healthier and safer communities,” said Jenny Salesa, who launched the new strategy at South Seas Healthcare Clinic in Otara, South Auckland.
“Currently about 5 per cent of New Zealand’s population experiences some level of individual gambling harm, and 1 in 5 New Zealanders will be affected by their own or someone else’s gambling during their lifetime.
“The Government has allocated $60.339 million over three years for the new strategy, including an additional $5 million to pilot new services and support innovation to improve equities.
Gambling Nz Mental Health Disparities
“Improving equities for Māori, Pacific and Asian communities, which are disproportionately impacted by gambling harm, is a key focus of the new strategy.
“In He Ara Oranga, the report of the Government Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction, gambling was seen as harmful due to its addictive nature and the financial stress and anxiety it causes families, contributing to neglect of children and family violence.
“The Strategy aligns strongly with service changes recommended in the Inquiry, particularly those which recognise the voice of lived experience and the explicit prioritisation of Māori and other population groups.
“The Strategy also aligns with the mental health and addiction initiatives in Budget 2019, which aim to improve access to a range of free services and support for mental health and addiction.
“Gambling harm levels have reduced substantially compared with 25 years ago, however, they have plateaued in the last five years.
“While many New Zealanders gamble occasionally without any harmful effects, for those who do experience harm from their or someone else’s gambling, these harms can be significant.
“We want to refresh our existing services to address the needs of those most vulnerable communities.
“We will be retaining our strong focus on improving equities while also piloting new services and funding a consumer network and peer support to include the voices of people with lived experiences of gambling harm.
“Consumer networks are already commonly used in other areas of health and include people who’ve had experience (in this case in gambling harm) who can then assist the development, delivery and evaluation of services and programmes.
“The Ministry already works incredibly closely with the sector to address gambling harm and a new consumer network will mark the start of an even closer partnership.
'The cost of the Strategy is recovered by a problem gambling levy paid by non-casino gaming machine operators, casinos, the New Zealand Racing Board and New Zealand Lotteries Commission.”
More information on the Strategy can be found here.
“I’d never been to counselling before and felt it was a very special and healing experience.”
Tāngata Whaiora/Client Feedback
Harmful gambling is a significant social issue in New Zealand, disproportionately impacting Māori, Pasifika and Asian communities.
Studies have shown a strong correlation between harmful gambling and poor mental health. People with gambling problems are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression, and studies also identify a link between suicidal thoughts and pathological gambling.
There is still significant stigma attached to harmful gambling and this discourages help-seeking behaviour.
At PGF Group, our mission is: Enhancing the mana of individuals, families and communities: to be free from gambling harm.
Gambling Nz Mental Health Assessment
We deliver treatment and public health services nationwide and have a skilled and diverse workforce.
Our public health work supports the prevention and minimisation of gambling harm and promotes wellbeing.
Community action is a strong protective factor and is key to driving change that will protect vulnerable families and communities. Our work has a public health focus that is predominantly education and information to enable action at the community level. The public health focus, consistent with the mission, includes co-existing problems such as family violence and mental health.
A key component of our work is advocating for policy and regulatory change to reduce gambling harm. We monitor the international and local gambling environment, particularly in the continually evolving world of online gambling.
We work to understand the impact of harms on families and communities, so we are able to support decision-makers to recognise where there may be inequity.
Gambling Nz Mental Health Insurance
PGF Services provide free counselling, advice and support to anyone impacted by gambling, and works to ensure that support for Māori clients fits a kaupapa Māori way of working. A dedicated health promotion team work in the community to raise awareness of gambling harm.
Duty counsellors are available by phone or email between 8.30am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday to answer questions and provide immediate support.
PGF Group specialist teams provide culturally and linguistically appropriate support to Asian and Pasifika communities living in New Zealand.
Asian Family Services provide free, professional and confidential counselling, information and support in several languages for anyone impacted by harmful gambling. All staff are trained counsellors, social workers and health promoters. A nationwide helpline is also provided.
Gambling Nz Mental Health Benefits
Asian Wellbeing Services is part of Asian Family Services, providing fee paid psychological services including support with family and couple relationships, cultural adjustment, grief and loss, and stress management.
Mapu Maia Pasifika Services provide a holistic, family-centred service which is free and confidential, delivered by experienced and qualified staff that can support people in English, Samoan, Tokelauan and Tongan. Through Talatalanoa, the team provide counselling that encompasses a person’s whole self – physical, mental, spiritual and the family. Their Pacific values underpin the service provided to clients, engagement with external stakeholders and how they work with each other. Because harmful gambling rarely exists in isolation, Mapu Maia include alcohol and drug addictions, family violence and other co-existing mental health issues.