Gambling Helpline leads way with new text service

Gambling Helpline leads the way with new text service

The Gambling Helpline has introduced what is thought to be a first for gambling help services with problem gamblers now able to seek help via text message.

Krista Ferguson, chief executive officer of the Gambling Helpline, said the new text message service is about offering more choices to problem gamblers as well as friends and family affected by problem gamblers.

“We know from talking with our clients that they often have pre-paid mobile phones rather than land lines. By offering them the invitation to text, they are being provided with another option to reach out for help,” she said.

Ms Ferguson added that the text message offering is also another way for clients to reach out discreetly.

“Stigma and shame are barriers to help-seeking with privacy being important to anyone contacting the Gambling Helpline. Mobile phones are a way people can get in touch with us more privately than other means, such as landlines.

“Mobile phones are also a way, through texts, to provide information and schedule telephone calls privately,” said Ms Ferguson.

The new text-message offering has been launched with a billboard campaign in the three main centres Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, aimed at targeting all people with a mobile phone experiencing gambling-related harm, not just the traditional youth market associated with text messaging.

Clients can send an anonymous free text to 8006, and immediately receive an automated response to confirm the Gambling Helpline has received the text, which also contains the free phone number. A counsellor will then send a personalised response, encouraging the texter to phone for help or to provide details so that an information pack can be sent.

Ms Ferguson said the new text-message service is part of Gambling Helpline’s commitment to be up-to-date with technology in order to deliver gambling support services to the widest audience possible.

“In the late nineties we launched an interactive self-help website and in 2001 we introduced an online message forum “Talking Point”. The website is proving to be extremely popular with a 52 per cent increase in use during 2006. The online forum has more than 11,400 posts, which illustrates alternative communication channels really appeal to our clients,” she said.

If you are worried about your gambling or that of someone close to you call the Gambling Helpline on 0800 654 655, text 8006 or visit www.gamblingproblem.co.nz.

ENDS

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