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Problem Gambling Health Promotion Report 2008 - 2009

In 2008, the Victorian Department of Justice funded Primary Care Partnerships to undertake and facilitate Health Promotion work in the area of Problem Gambling Prevention. In Melbourne’s Northern sub-Region, the 3 PCPs - Banyule Nillumbik Primary Care Alliance, North Central Metro PCP and Hume Moreland PCP, decided to deliver this initiative in partnership. The Initiative has been funded for three years (2008-2011). The Northern PCP Problem Gambling Prevention Initiative has developed the specific goal of “strengthening communities in the NMR so that they are less vulnerable to problem gambling” This Goal will be achieved through a number of objectives including: 1. Increasing the number and range of health promotion interventions which are taking place which address problem gambling and its broader determinants. 2. Increasing the number of partnerships involving PCP member agencies which are working to address the determinants of problem gambling. 3. Strengthening the relationship of GHN with PCP agencies. 4. Assisting GHN with the reorientation of Health Promotion activities. Particular highlights of the year include: • BNPCA hosting of the launch of the Department of Justice / Primary Care Partnership initiative 16th September 2008. • completion of a Health Promotion Resource Guide for Problem Gambling Prevention in Melbourne’s North represents a significant body of work and includes the development of a Health Promotion Framework for undertaking Health Promotion in this area. The guide also contains specific and local data and evidence to support the prioritisation of Health Promotion as a priority in Melbourne’s north. Ideas, suggestions and resources for further action are included. • positive and engaging relationship that the Problem Gambling Health Promotion Advisor has established with the Community Education Team at GHN. • establishment of an exciting partnership to address Problem Gambling vulnerability among CALD groups who undertake regular trips to the Casino. • Establishment of an interested network of Local Government stakeholders who, it is hoped, will become active partners in a range of initiatives over the coming years of the project.