can I see the light

[pamela]

Thank you gzy3..it really is empowering

[pamela]

I am a member of Consumer Voice and training for that was very cathartic..heart wrenching..rewarding.
This gives me the opportunity to tell my story of gambling to different members of the community.
I give most of my talks to members of the Hotel Industry as part of their training.
I have one such event today and although I get very nervous before hand ,once it is finished I feel really good.
It isn't easy standing in front of a room with unfamiliar faces,telling your story of gambling..but they listen..some are shocked,some are sympathetic,some are indifferent but they all appreciate the honesty..My story has a good ending and I am proud of where I am now and what I do..
So I encourage you all to not give up the fight..don't doubt your ability to stop gambling..and know there is life after gambling
Stay true to yourself

[pamela]

As I am from SA..I am deeply disturbed to hear they want to change our machines to accept notes..I know other states have this facility ..but it is not an advancement for us..Way too easy to sit and feed notes into a machine..what do you think of the idea??
And to open pokie venues on Xmas Day and Good Friday...this makes me feel sad..
I know this will go ahead but it just makes me angry and sad especially as we are gearing up for Gambling Harm Awareness week..I really believe this will be damaging for this state

[Mongoose]

Hi Pamela love reading your posts you should be very proud . We already have machines that take notes in Victoria and yes you are right you just keep feeding one note after the other until you have none left there is no stopping
Very bad if it comes in because it just increases the risk for problem gambling and as for Xmas day and Good Friday I don’t think there is nothing sacred anymore !!!
Mongoose

[pamela]

So true Mongoose..it is a bad decision but one we can't stop..

[pamela]

Hi everyone..as we approach Xmas I know this can be a really vulnerable time for so many people.Now is a good time to start putting some strategies in place to keep yourself safe and stress free.I remember how sad I always was at this time of the year knowing how much of my life had been wasted on gambling on poker machines..and knowing I could not afford a decent Xmas for my family.
It is called the silly season for a reason..
It is tough trying to stop gambling and I know sometimes we hope to have a win to cover costs but it doesn't work out that way.
Please try and the make the effort to stop and really enjoy the Xmas season unencumbered by gambling and all the unhappiness it brings
Be strong and say no to gambling today

[gzy3]

Hi @pamela that is a very good point that we should put some strategies in place towards the upcoming Xmas season, in order to stay gambling free.
It can be easy to go back to a spiral of gambling to budget Xmas present , which is likely to leave you losses and then drive you to chase the losses.
As you said it gets more important at this time of the year to be strong and say no to gambling!

[BrittV (facilitator)]

Beautifully put pamela, thank you.

I wonder if there's a way we can cyber-support one another specifically through this season.. open to ideas!

[pamela]

Well it's not long before Xmas and for many it can be a really tough time..I hope as we get closer to the day that you can stay strong and enjoy this time with your family and friends
I know it can be really difficult and if you are struggling..dont be afraid to ask for help..life is for living
Be positive

[pamela]

I know this can be a really tough time of year for some..but I wish you all a Happy and Safe Xmas...if you are struggling there is help available.
Let's continue to support each other in the New Year