Our stories will change how you view gambling harm – and recovery from gambling
ReSPIN is a free, statewide service that aims to decrease stigma and encourage people to seek help for problem gambling. Our trained volunteer speakers talk about their personal experiences with the harms of gambling – and share their gambling recovery stories – with community groups, workplaces, health services and the media.
Their stories are raw, honest, and often confronting, but always shared with the intention to assist with gambling harm reduction.
Sessions tailored to your audience
ReSPIN Lived Experience Community Educators come from a wide range of backgrounds and communities. This allows us to match your group with the right voice. Whether your audience is interested in pokies, sports betting, or the broader impacts of gambling in culturally diverse, youth, senior or rural communities, we have a speaker who can connect with your listeners.
Delivery options
We offer flexible presentation formats including:
Professional development for your team
Almost one in five Victorians may be experiencing gambling harm. In the workplace, many of your staff may be quietly suffering. A free ReSPIN professional development session can help your HR managers better understand gambling harm, reduce stigma, and encourage staff to seek help.
Are you working in a position where you are supporting clients with their addictions? We can arrange for a ReSPIN Community Educator to share their story with your team and participate in a Q&A session in order for you to better understand the lived experience of someone experiencing gambling harm and possibly other addictions. We can also organise to present to your team with a Community Engagement Officer from a Victorian Gambling Help Service.
Gambling Harm Awareness Week
An annual public awareness program, Gambling Harm Awareness Week is the perfect opportunity to share stories of hope and inspiration through a ReSPIN session.
About our Lived Experience Community Educators
All ReSPIN Lived Experience Community Educators have either experienced gambling harm themselves or have been impacted by another person’s gambling. They come from diverse backgrounds and bring a range of experiences and insights to help communities overcome problem gambling.
Speakers are trained to speak independently or alongside community leaders and healthcare workers to help audiences connect deeply with the issue and reflect on their own perceptions.
More information
Community groups, corporate groups, health services, education and training organisations and media. Anyone who would like to know more about gambling related harm by hearing from a Lived Experience community Educator.
Contact the ReSPIN Program Coordinator on 0456 542 124 or email [email protected].
To book a ReSPIN Lived Experience Community Educator please complete a booking form.
If you would like to speak to the Program Coordinator about becoming a ReSPIN Lived Experience Community Educator call 0456 542 124 or email [email protected].
The ReSPIN Gambling Awareness Speakers Bureau is a program funded by the Victorian Department of Health. Please contact the Program Coordinator for more information.
Location
Our Lived Experience Community Educators can deliver sessions across the whole of Victoria, in person or online. Contact us for more information.
Other useful resources
Discover more
Gambler's Help
Free gambling support and help for individuals, families and communities to reduce gambling-related harms with community programs and counselling available.
What is Peer Connection?
Free, confidential phone support from people with lived experience of gambling harm.
Booking a Lived Experience Community Educator
Book a ReSPIN Lived Experience Community Educator,