The program provides volunteer community educators to speak about their personal experiences of gambling harm and recovery to community groups, health services, corporate and the media.
Greater Shepparton City Council active living manager David Booth said gambling affected many people.
“The effects of gambling are often hidden and not spoken about because it can be a sensitive issue that makes people feel uncomfortable,” Mr Booth said.
“Let’s talk, share, support and prevent gambling harm together,” he said.
People in attendance will be provided with access to financial and therapeutic counsellors with Primary Care Connect adding insight into services available in the area.
Mr Booth said talking was the first step in reducing gambling harm.
“Anyone can experience negative effects of gambling but it’s not something we talk about openly,” he said.
“When we talk about gambling harm as a community it makes it okay for those affected to reach out.”
The event is a collaboration of Greater Shepparton City Council, Get Mooving, Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation and Primary Care Connect Shepparton.
The Gambling Harm Awareness Week information session will be held at Shepparton Senior Citizens Centre, 132 Welsford St, Shepparton, on Thursday, October 10, from 6 pm to 8 pm.
For more information or to register, phone Megan Howard on 5832 9435.