The Dare To Connect program for problem gamblers and those recovering from gambling addiction will be run in Brimbank for the first time this month.
The free 10-week Dare To Connect North West program will be aimed at helping problem gamblers in their recovery by building on social confidence and reducing isolation.
Chrysalis Insight, a not-for-profit organisation founded in 2001 by former pokies addict Gabriela Byrne, developed the Dare To Connect program three years ago.
The program kicks off with a weekend away in the outer eastern suburb of Montrose where up to 30 participants will learn circus skills and African drumming and listen to motivational speakers.
“We have a smorgasbord of events people would never dream of trying – all with a healing component,” Ms Byrne said.
She said an important aspect of the program involved seeing recovery not merely as a matter of “not gambling” but also as an opportunity to “see what else you can do to re-establish some balance in your life”.
Reflecting on her own experiences, Ms Byrne said she understood the attraction of pokies.
“It’s somewhere to chill out and forget about the problems of the world,” she said.
It wasn’t until she lost more than $40,000 and many friends and jeopardised her marriage that Ms Byrne developed her own methods to overcome her addiction.
Her mission to help others battle gambling addiction continues 13 years later. She’s completing a doctorate at Victoria University on applying social inclusion to prevent problem gambling relapses.
Enrolments are open until September 12 for the first program, which starts later in the month. Two programs will be held next year.
For more details, visit info@3rdplace.org.au
