Workshops will be held in Wyndham from this month onwards to brainstorm ways to get senior citizens involved with recreational venues and activities which do not involve gambling.
Wyndham council has partnered with Gambler’s Help and IPC Health for the Stepping Out! workshops.
Seniors who live, work or visit Wyndham for recreation, as well as service providers, social activity planners or volunteers who work with or plan activities for seniors, have been invited to participate in the workshops.
The workshops will be tailored towards participants’ accessibility requirements using language interpreters (for online and in-person workshops), hearing loops (for in-person workshops) and any other adjustments required.
Interested participants can sign up as an individual, group or workplace.
Wyndham’s community safety portfolio holder, Cr Susan McIntyre, said the council was committed to promoting the health and wellbeing of Wyndham residents by preventing the harms associated with gambling.
“Half of the Australian adult population aged 65-plus are at risk of experiencing gambling harm,” Cr McIntyre said.
“Many older adults visit gambling venues for non-gambling activities like to have a meal, catch up with friends, or participate in sport and recreation activities. “
“Evidence shows that during such visits, they will spend some time playing electronic gambling machines.
“These workshops aim to educate seniors and those who work with seniors about gambling harm, and to discover gambling-free venues and activities for recreation in Wyndham.”
The workshops will take place from March to August. Due to COVID restrictions, workshops are capped at 15 people.
Sign up for the workshops at: bit.ly/3bR21uZ
