Changing the Conversation: Gambling Harm Action Week 2024

The South Australian Government is at the forefront of a transformative movement aimed at altering the narrative surrounding gambling harm during this year’s Gambling Harm Action Week (GHAW), scheduled from 27 October to 2 November 2024. The week carries the theme "Let’s Change the Conversation," emphasizing the significant role language plays in dismantling stigma and fostering an environment where individuals and families impacted by gambling harm can seek help without fear.

The Importance of Language in Addressing Gambling Harm

Language shapes our perceptions, influences how we think, and can either encourage or inhibit help-seeking behaviors. This year’s campaign aims to highlight how the words we use can have profound effects on those experiencing gambling harm. The State Government’s Office for Problem Gambling is rebranding itself as Gambling Harm Support SA, a change that reflects a commitment to providing a more compassionate and inclusive approach to gambling harm—a public health issue that touches the lives of many, not just those who gamble.

Understanding the Broader Impact of Gambling Harm

Gambling harm extends beyond individual gamblers; it affects families, friends, and communities. This rebranding repositions gambling-related issues as health and wellness concerns that require a collective response. Throughout GHAW, Gambling Harm Support SA will introduce resources designed to generate awareness and encourage people to seek assistance. By broadening the conversation, the initiative aims to ensure every South Australian understands that help is available to anyone impacted by gambling harm.

Key Activities During Gambling Harm Action Week

To facilitate this shift in conversation, several key activities are scheduled throughout the week:

1. Digital Media Campaign Launch: A series of impactful videos featuring individuals with personal experiences of gambling harm will be released. These narratives will expose how stigmatizing language has prevented them from seeking help in the past. These stories serve as a powerful reminder of the need for empathetic dialogue and encourage viewers to access the resources found on the Gambling Harm Support SA website.

2. Language Guides: Practical guides will be published to help professionals and community members engage in more effective conversations about gambling harm. These resources will offer simple and constructive alternatives to stigmatizing language, highlighting how a few thoughtful changes in wording can make a significant difference in someone feeling supported and understood.

3. Office Rebrand: The transition from the Office for Problem Gambling to Gambling Harm Support SA represents a decisive step towards reframing gambling issues. This new branding will be visible throughout gambling venues across the state and will feature prominently in initiatives like the Here for the Game campaign. It’s an emblem of hope that emphasizes that support is available for anyone affected by gambling harm.

The Need for a Compassionate Narrative

Research shows that referring to individuals as "problem gamblers" can act as a barrier to seeking help. Such language unfairly labels them as the sole issue while obscuring the broader impact on their loved ones and community. By promoting a more holistic understanding of gambling harm, GHAW 2024 seeks to reshape commonly held misconceptions and provide the necessary education to encourage engagement with support services.

According to Nat Cook, a key figure in the initiative, "We want to ensure that every South Australian understands that help is available and that the language we use can either open doors or close them." This statement encapsulates the goals of the campaign: to foster a supportive environment where individuals feel secure in seeking assistance.

A Call for Respectful Dialogue

The conversation about gambling harm must evolve. It’s crucial to adopt a respectful, humanizing approach that views individuals as more than their struggles. This means avoiding language that lays blame or judgment. Instead, we should acknowledge the complexity of gambling harm as a multifaceted public health concern deserving of compassion and understanding.

Together, we can contribute to changing the conversation about gambling harm. By promoting a culture of empathy and open dialogue, we can help remove the barriers that prevent many from seeking the help they need. Through the establishment of Gambling Harm Support SA, the South Australian Government is taking a definitive step toward recognizing and addressing the complexities of gambling harm, ensuring that language does not inhibit those in need from accessing support.

Conclusion: Join the Movement

Gambling Harm Action Week serves as a crucial opportunity for the South Australian community to reassess how we discuss and approach gambling harm. By embracing change in our language and our perceptions, we can make strides toward building a more inclusive, supportive, and understanding society. For more information and resources, visit gamblingharmsupport.sa.gov.au.

Let this Gambling Harm Action Week be a catalyst for creating a community where help is readily accessible, and everyone feels empowered to reach out for support. Together, we can change the narrative and pave the way for a healthier future.