Strengthening the safety net for problem gamblers at risk of suicide in gaming venues

As a part of the Melton and Brimbank Place-Based Suicide Prevention Trials, North West Melbourne Primary Health Network piloted the “Strengthening the safety-net for problem gamblers at risk of suicide in gaming venues” project. It included the development and delivery of these objectives:  

• Build the skills of the gaming venue workforce to identify people who are at risk of suicide through the recruitment, coordination, and delivery of safeTALK suicide awareness training.   
• Work with the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation to adapt mandatory training delivered throughout Victoria to include suicide alertness skills.   
• Produce health promotion materials to support those seeking help, including development of bathroom door advertising and take-home information.  
• Delivery of Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) to problem gambling counsellors and support staff.

SafeTALK training was provided to 32 venue staff from 4 gaming venues in the Brimbank local government area: 

• Kealba Hotel 
• St Albans Social Club 
• Green Gully Social Club  
• Deer Park Club 

ASIST training provided to Gambler’s Help support staff. This included attendance from 4 therapeutic counsellors, 2 financial counsellors, one community engagement worker and 2 venue support workers.