During Gamble Harm Awareness week, I attended a Problem Gambling Foundation (PGF) event held at the Auckland City Mission. The Auckland City Mission established in 1820 has a solid reputation of caring for those that have found either themselves homeless, rough sleeping, isolated elderly, dealing with addiction, living with mental health issues, and struggling to feed their family due to an unexpected crisis.
As I entered the City Mission and walked through the building looking for the PGF team, I could immediately sense how the City Mission is a place of belonging for many who come there. Bustling with activity, it provides a place where people can connect and get support from each other or the social services available.
I found some of the PGF team cooking out the back in a cobbled courtyard which turns into a makeshift kitchen. Sitting on the ground is a gas stove with a super 
Marae sized cooking pot. Boil up is on the menu for tonight and dough boys were currently being rolled and added to the pot.
The PGF engagement strategy was well thought out, and I could see they had done their homework coming up to their event day. The team had started integrating into the City Mission community four weeks prior. The most important aspect of this was building a connection with the City Mission community and of course, learn how they run the essential dinner session.
What I saw and heard was the entire team having meaningful conversations about gambling harm and short opportunistic moments to provide brief interventions. The City Mission community was at ease with the PGF team, and many openly shared their stories.
There was one man in particular that caught my interest he announced he was a responsible gambler. I asked him what does that mean a responsible gambler. His explanation was he gets $300 per week and only ever spends $20 every week on gambling no more than that. He did go on to share when he was getting more money before, and he did spend more on gambling. His statement made me think when would he be considered an irresponsible gambler?. What would happen to move from Responsible to irresponsible gambling? Was he in denial of his gambling? It would be good to hear your thoughts on this subject of 'The Responsible Gambler".
Nga Mihi, Narelle Nichelsen and the team from PGF for the invite to your GHAW event it was very successful in raising awareness of gambling harm within the Auckland City Mission community. Tau ke!
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