Peer Connection is a telephone peer support service that puts people in touch with others who have had a similar problem gambling experience or who have experienced and had to deal with the consequences of a close family member’s problem gambling.

HOW IT WORKS

The program provides the opportunity for people to talk with someone who understands what they are going through, someone who ‘has been there’. The Peer Connection Program is a confidential program. Any information gained is used solely for the purpose of providing support to service users.

People who recognise they have a gambling problem or who are coping with a close family member’s gambling, and want to speak to someone who has had a similar experience phone the Gambler’s Help Northern Intake service.

Some details regarding the difficulties being faced by the service user and their particular requirements for talking to a volunteer are recorded. They are then matched with the most appropriate Volunteer and a time is arranged for the Volunteer to phone them. At the arranged time the service user receives a telephone call from the Volunteer.

Peer Connection Volunteers will provide peer support via the telephone to people dealing with problem gambling or with coping with the damage created by gambling. It is not a counselling program or crisis service. The aim is for the Volunteer to use their experience to enhance their understanding of the issues the caller presents, whilst maintaining a focus on the unique experience and needs presented by each individual caller to appropriately support others.

Relevant telephone counselling and support training is provided by Lifeline and will be conducted at Banyule Community Health Service Office in West Heidelberg. Calls to service users and other Peer Connection activity is also conducted at the West Heidelberg office.

Download a fact sheet about how the Peer Connection Program works here

Volunteers Wanted