Problem gambling support uncertain
Nelson problem gambling counsellor Mathew McMillan is still offering a service for gambling addicts in Nelson.
Matthew is sub-contracted to provide the service until next year, while a dispute about the who should have the contract to provide gambling services continues at a national level.
Matthew is working from an office at 3/159 Hardy St.
He is sub-contracted to provide gambling services from his old employers, Te Kahui Hauora o Ngati Koata Trust. In March, the Problem Gambling Foundation (PGF) lost its contract to provide health and counselling services for problem gamblers in New Zealand to the Salvation Army.
The foundation appealed this decision and has had its contract extended until February.
Matthew ’s old employer Te Kahui Hauora o Ngati Koata Trust did not apply to renew his contract due to changes in Maori health in the region.
Matthew says there are several things that are working well in the Nelson region that he is glad that he’s able to continue.
One of those is the self-banning of gamblers from venues with pokie machines. Matthew says it is a very effective tool and he receives enquiries weekly from people saying they want to self ban themselves.
‘‘I like to say it’s more effective than penicillin.’’
He also wants to help gambling consumer advocate Brenda McQuillan start her support group for problem gamblers.
Matthew used to hold weekly meetings for Nelson’s problem gamblers through the Problem Gambling Foundation.
However, with the nationwide loss of Problem Gambling Foundation’s government contract she has been unable to keep the meetings going.
Matthew says the third thing that works well at a regional level is the help he is able to provide for families. About a third of the counselling work he does is for family members of problem gamblers.
He is unsure what will happen when his contract runs out next year.
He would like to get an independent contract to keep offering gambling services. He believes he is providing a good service and has done so for nine years, with good support from the community, including some gambling operators.
Matthew applied for an independent contract to provide services in the Nelson region but was not awarded one.
He hopes that he can get a contract to provide services next year.
‘‘I’ve got the support of numer- ous health and social services and MP Nick Smith is very supportive of the work that (PGF’s) Phil Townshend and I have done for the area.
‘‘It seems really silly that’s all going to change due to the poor decision making at the ministry level.’’
To contact Matthew email addictionservicesnelson@gmail.com