Community Action: Gambling Diversion Piggy Bank

The Salvation Army Oasis supports community-led approaches to gambling harm. We aim to help communities build connections, enhance whānau ora and wellbeing, and create opportunities to have fun in ways that aren’t harmful to whānau.

The Gambling Diversion Piggy Bank was an initiative that encouraged people to save and consider how they spend their money. It was a joint initiative between The Salvation Army Oasis and Atiawa Toa FM, a Wellington local radio station in the Hutt Valley. A Facebook page was created to promote how putting away $20 a week for a year can create significant savings. Over the course of a year, the participants shared their journeys through radio interviews and Facebook live videos. 

The Gambling Diversion Piggy Bank also fostered open discussions about the behaviours and triggers for individuals concerned about their gambling. Healthier alternatives for spending time and handling money were explained. The Gambling Diversion Piggy Bank was a fun, effective and engaging project that helped many people in the community.

Watch Public Health Worker Vicki as she speaks to Atiawa Toa about the Gambling Diversion Piggy Bank

Oasis Public Health Worker Vicki and colleague Stephanie from Hāpai Te Hauora