Our stories will change the way you view gambling harm.
ReSPIN is a FREE, state wide service funded by the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation. Our volunteer community educators speak about their personal experiences of gambling harm and recovery to community groups, corporate groups, health services and the media. Their stories are raw and confronting but they do it honestly, hoping to decrease stigma and encourage people to seek help.
‘I used to sit playing the machines, telling myself: I can stop this any time I want. When I gambled with money that wasn’t mine, I ended up in prison.’
To book a ReSPIN Speaker please complete a booking form, for all other inquiries please call 9450 2633 or email respin@bchs.org.au
Conversation starters
ReSPIN speakers are trained to present independently. They can also work in conjunction with community leaders and healthcare workers.
All ReSPIN speakers have either experienced gambling harm themselves or have been impacted by another person’s gambling. Their stories can be a powerful way to reach the hearts of your audience, open up discussions and introduce your local service offerings.
‘All those years, I was waiting in the wings for him to stop gambling so we could live happily ever after.’
Diverse speakers for diverse communities
Our speakers come from a range of backgrounds, ages and locations. Pokies? Sports Betting? CALD communities? Youth Groups? Seniors? Rural communities? We look forward to matching your event with the right speaker.
Virtual events
Our most common request is for a fifteen-minute talk followed up by question time. But COVID has challenged us to be more flexible in our presentation style.
ReSPIN speakers can work on all digital platforms and provide inspiring content for social media, podcasts or press, radio and TV.
Wherever lived experience can complement your work – we’re keen to be there.
Professional development
Recent research indicated that almost one in five Victorians may be experiencing gambling harm. How many people are quietly suffering amongst your staff? A free professional development session from ReSPIN can help HR managers increase awareness of gambling harm and encourage staff to seek help.
‘If I lost, I’d just put more on, hoping to win it back. It was so easy to do on my phone. I was losing way more than I could afford. I felt so alone because I couldn’t possibly tell ANYONE. I was ashamed and embarrassed.’
To find out more call 0456 542 124 or email respin@bchs.org.au
Talk. Share. Support
Gambling Harm Awareness Week is an annual public awareness program which provides the perfect opportunity to share stories of hope and inspiration through a ReSPIN session.
Here are some other useful resources:
Gambling Harm Awareness Week (responsiblegambling.vic.gov.au)
What is Peer Connection? – Banyule Community Health (bchs.org.au)
Alliance for Gambling Reform (pokiesplayyou.org.au)
Three sides of the coin | Theatre by people who suffered from gambling harm
ReSPIN is run by Banyule Community Health, made possible through a Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation grant.