Community Action: Gambling Harm Awareness Week (GHAW)
The Salvation Army Oasis supports community-led approaches to gambling harm. We aim to help communities build connections and create opportunities to have fun in ways that aren’t harmful to whānau.
Gambling Harm Awareness Week (GHAW) is a national campaign that runs each year during the first week of September. The theme for 2021 is WEAVING YOUR WAY TO WELLBEING. (Read more details about 2021 and our Giveaway.)
GHAW is an opportunity to reflect on our own gambling behaviour and that of our friends, whānau and community. During the week, we encourage everyone to step back from gambling and focus on whānau. Evidence shows that spending time with a loved one and sharing rewarding activities together (like going for walks or sharing kai) can effectively distract people from thinking about gambling, in turn reducing gambling harm.
The week is also a chance to celebrate freedom from gambling harm in our communities, and dozens of whānau-friendly events are held around the country - from family fun festivals, to art competitions, to educational documentary screenings. Check out the Choice Not Chance website during August for a list of upcoming GHAW events near you.
Gambling Harm Awareness Week is an opportunity for other health and social service agencies and community groups to collaborate on fun events or initiatives together with gambling services. Oasis warmly welcomes anyone who wishes to take part or share their ideas for a great initiative that we could support.
Contact us today to register your interest, share your ideas or get more information on how you can participate in GHAW this September.
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