The ClubsNSW Chaplaincy Program and Psychiatric Comorbidities in Gambling

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1 The ClubsNSW Chaplaincy Program and Psychiatric Comorbidities in Gambling Presented by Melanie Hartmann, Alex Blaszczynski, The University of Sydney, and Rowan Cameron, Clubs NSW Australia Supported by This work was supported by a philanthropic grant provided by ClubsNSW, Australia. The University of Sydney Page 1

2 Outline 1. Gaming environment in Australia 2. What is the Chaplaincy program? 3. Why is it important? 4. Chaplaincy program outcomes- what we know so far The University of Sydney Page 2

3 Background: The Gaming Environment in Australia 87% Casino (N = 12) Pub/Hotel (N = 3202) Club/RSL (N = 2088) 7% Casino Total = 197,054 58% 35% Pubs/Hotels Clubs/RSL (Australian Gaming Council, 2015) Figure. EGM distribution by venue type The University of Sydney Page 3

4 Background: What is a Club? Family areas Cafes/ Restaurants/ Bars Sports bars Clubs Gaming areas Support programs Entertainment The University of Sydney Page 4

5 What is the Chaplaincy Program? Provide practical and emotional support to club visitors, members and staff The University of Sydney Page 5

6 What is the Clubs Chaplaincy Program? The University of Sydney Page 6

7 What is the Chaplaincy Program? Currently running in 6 clubs in NSW, Australia The University of Sydney Page 7

8 What is the Chaplaincy Program? The University of Sydney Page 8

9 What is the Chaplaincy Program? North Coast Club Chaplain David Slee Chaplains interact with patrons and staff in a variety of ways The University of Sydney Page 9

10 What is the Chaplaincy Program? Typical interactions: Mrs. B Female Pensioner Variety of interactions Mrs. K Female, 20s Long one-on-one sessions Staff referral The University of Sydney Page 10

11 Why is the Chaplaincy Program important? Comorbidity Cross sectional findings: Recent systematic review: 60% nicotine dependence 58% substance use disorder 38% any mood disorder 37% any anxiety disorder (Lorains, Cowlishaw, & Thomas, 2011) The University of Sydney Page 11

drives both Comorbid conditions occur after

12 Why is the Chaplaincy Program important? Comorbidity Longitudinal Findings: Comorbid conditions are present before gambling disorders Common interactive factor that drives both Comorbid conditions occur after gambling disorders The University of Sydney Page 12

13 Chaplaincy program: A new way to assist? Current methods: Formal Therapy Sessions Informal group support Staff Training for Employees Gambling Telephone Helpline The University of Sydney Page 13

14 The Chaplaincy Program: Potential benefits 1. Holistic approach 2. Targets all difficulties 3. Soft approach 4. Less stigma 5. Alternative/ compliment to staff training 6. Prevent gambling disorders Evaluate the program and its outcomes The University of Sydney Page 14

15 The Chaplaincy Program: What we know so far 12 month trial of the Mingara Chaplaincy Program: Data collected by The Salvation Army in 2013 Salvation Army client database Surveys handed out to patrons and staff (More, 2013) The University of Sydney Page 15

16 Database findings The Chaplaincy Program: What we know so far Anxiety Stress Legal issues Mental illness 391 people Job trouble/ loss Divorce Bereavement Family s health/ mental health (More, 2013) The University of Sydney Page 16

17 Database findings The Chaplaincy Program: What we know so far 32 referrals: 1. Formal therapy (e.g., counselling, psychologist) 2. Pastoral care 3. Welfare organisations 4. Practical support 5. Group support (More, 2013) The University of Sydney Page 17

Survey Findings - Patrons The Chaplaincy

Chaplaincy Awareness Not aware of the program

Occasional significant interactions Moderate to

their interactions with the Chaplain helpful (1%

18 Survey Findings - Patrons The Chaplaincy Program: What we know so far 35% 36% 11% 18% Chaplaincy Awareness Not aware of the program Knew of the program but no interactions Occasional significant interactions Moderate to frequent interactions 82% of respondents found their interactions with the Chaplain helpful (1% unhelpful; 17% neutral) (More, 2013) The University of Sydney Page 18

19 Survey Findings - Staff The Chaplaincy Program: What we know so far 10% Interactions with Chaplain Knew of him but not interactions 28% 21% 41% Occassionally Moderatly often Frequent 83% of staff reported their interactions with the Chaplain as helpful (More, 2013) The University of Sydney Page 19

20 The Chaplaincy Program: Why the apparent success? Chaplain is suited to, and a part of, the community Familiar face Intermediary The Salvation Army- trusted and recognised brand = Independent and non-threatening way to assist community members The University of Sydney Page 20

face/d? Any differences between staff and Club patrons?

21 The Chaplaincy Program: Next Steps Empirically assess the outcomes from the program: Interviews Personal Experience of running the program Any specific challenges they face/d? Any differences between staff and Club patrons? Do you see many people with gambling problems? How do you approach someone with a gambling problem? The University of Sydney Page 21

22 The Chaplaincy Program: Next Steps Empirically assess the outcomes from the program: Physical/ Online Survey Formal measures: PGSI Informal measures: Demographics Chaplaincy program experience Helpful/ unhelpful Help seeking behaviour Referrals Gambling problem experiences The University of Sydney Page 22

23 The Chaplaincy Program: Next Steps Empirically assess the outcomes from the program: Focus Groups The University of Sydney Page 23

24 Melanie Hartmann The University of Sydney Page 24

Many tracks, one road, sustaining community

Many tracks, one road, sustaining community POSITION DESCRIPTION: Trauma Counsellor About Us The Northern Rivers Community Gateway (NRCG) is a non-profit registered charity formed in 1976. NRCG provides welfare and capacity building programs for