The Consumer Voice Project raises community awareness about problem gambling.

Who is this for?

This project is for people who have overcome problem gambling and for people who have been affected by family or friends who have and/or had a gambling problem. This is for individuals who would like to gain training and experience in speaking out about their experiences with problem gambling.

About this project

As a Consumer Voice speaker, you will be professionally trained by educators and counsellors. You will be supported to develop your own story about the effects of problem gambling. You will learn skills in presenting to a range of audiences and learn useful ways to deal with difficult questions.

You can also gain accredited training through the project as modules towards the Certificate IV in Community Services.

Project stages

The project has essentially two stages.

Stage one

The first stage is providing the training necessary to the speakers. This is a six week training course where participants learn to develop their personal narratives. This includes learning:

• How to shape a story: from beginning, middle, to end
• How to deal with difficult questions
• Knowing your rights as a speaker
• Understanding your responsibilities as a speaker
• How to deal with challenging or difficult behaviours.

At the end of training, participants give a 20 minute presentation that is assessed.

Stage two

The second stage is going out and speaking to the public using the new skills gained. However, speaking engagements are not compulsory - you do not have to accept them once you have been trained. For some, the training in itself may be a valuable outcome.

When you have finished the training, you will be supported to share your story by speaking or presenting to a variety of audiences in a range of group settings. This could include:

• Gambling Help service sector
• Hospitality workers, gaming venues
• Community agencies
• Counselling sessions of people affected by problem gambling
• Other interested community members.

Speakers will be paid for their time and reimbursed for travel costs for every engagement.

Training Details

Duration: Six weeks (consisting of a three hour session each week) and One full day.

When: 6pm to 9pm on Mondays, from February 13 to March 26, 2012 (inclusive) Full day on Saturday, March 31, 2012 (final session) No session to be held on 12 March (Public Holiday)

Where: Relationships Australia (SA) 49a Orsmond Street Hindmarsh SA 5007 

More information about the training is available here. To book contact Sophie Thurnwald - Phone (08) 8245 8145 or email.

Booking a speaker

Having a speaker talk at your function, event or gathering allows the audience to gain a greater understanding of the devastating effects of problem gambling on individuals and their families. Speakers can inspire and give hope to others grappling with their own gambling difficulties.

Speakers can:

• Tailor their talk to a particular audience
• Speak for anywhere between 10 to 60 minutes dependent on the needs of the audience
• Answer questions and talk informally.

Speakers can cover metropolitan speaking engagements and, subject to availability, the regional areas in South Australia. They are available for day and evening engagements.

There is no cost associated with booking a speaker; it is fully funded by the Gambling Rehabilitation Fund.

Bookings can be made either by phone or by downloading the booking sheet.

About the speakers

You can see what other speakers have said about the Consumer Voice Project.

For more information

Download more information about booking a speaker.

To book or enquire about a Consumer Voice speaker or enquire about the project call Jhunu Schrapel or Flame Moloney on (08) 8245 8100 or email consumervoice@rasa.org.au

Any feedback on the project is eagerly sought, please complete the evaluation form.

Consumer Voice Project is provided by Relationships Australia South Australia Health Promotion Services and is funded through the Gamblers Rehabilitation Fund, a joint initiative of the Australian Hotels Association (SA Branch), Clubs SA, Adelaide Casino and the Government of South Australia.