Gambling harm affects more than just finances, it touches lives, relationships, and mental health.
Our expert team provides free, confidential, and personalised counselling to help you break free from gambling harm. Explore our online resources for comprehensive assistance, including support for people affected by someone else’s gambling.
"6 out of 10, people report being better off financially after recieving support from Gamblers Help"
Cafs’ Gambler’s Help team offers personalised therapeutic and financial counselling for people experiencing gambling harm, as well as support for family members who may be affected.
Our approach focuses on building each person’s capacity to understand their gambling triggers and develop practical strategies to manage them. Whether you're seeking support for yourself or someone close to you, we’re here to help you take the next step with care, respect, and confidentiality.
At the heart of our approach is a commitment to building capacity—supporting individuals and communities to identify gambling triggers and develop strategies to manage them with confidence and care.
Community and school engagement
Raising awareness of the risks and harms associated with gambling
Cafs’ Community Engagement Program supports the flexible delivery of activities that raise awareness about the risks and harms associated with gambling.
We work closely with communities to promote Gambler’s Help services and deliver prevention-focused initiatives, especially for groups who may be more at risk. Through education, outreach, and collaboration, we aim to build understanding, reduce stigma, and encourage early help-seeking. We also provide free professional development sessions for community groups and organisations. Email welcome@cafs.org.au to book.
As part of this work, Cafs also delivers the Be Ahead of the Game School Education Program in secondary schools and youth settings, helping young people make informed choices about gambling.
Partnering with venues to promote safe, responsible gambling through training
Cafs’ Venue Support program partners with gaming venues to foster safer, more responsible gambling environments. Through tailored training—delivered either in person or online—we help venue staff and management understand gambling harm, strengthen their ability to respond effectively, and meet the standards of the Responsible Gambling Codes of Conduct. Our goal is to build confidence and capacity within venues to support patrons with care, awareness, and professionalism.
Our Venue Support program is committed to working alongside gaming venue staff and management to foster environments where responsible gambling is not only encouraged but embedded in everyday practice. We understand that venues play a vital role in minimising gambling harm, and our goal is to support them in creating spaces that prioritise patron wellbeing.
Through tailored training and education, we help venues meet—and often exceed—the expectations outlined in the industry’s Responsible Gambling Codes of Conduct. Our sessions are designed to be practical, engaging, and relevant, equipping staff with the knowledge and confidence to recognise signs of gambling harm, respond appropriately, and support patrons with empathy and care.
How we support you
You don’t need all the answers, just a place to start.
At Cafs, you don’t need to know exactly what you need before reaching out. We’re here to listen, understand your circumstances and work alongside you to find the right support—whether that’s one service or several working together.
Many of our programs focus on early intervention, helping people navigate challenges before they escalate, so you feel supported, informed and empowered at every step.
Trusted locally, committed personally with a support that understands your world.
For over 160 years, Cafs has stood alongside individuals, families and communities across the Victorian Central Highlands. Our strong local roots and deep community ties mean we understand the challenges people face and how best to help.
Our wraparound approach means you don’t need to know where to start—we work with you to find the right support. Every program is delivered by compassionate, highly trained staff who genuinely care about your wellbeing.
Let’s build a better future, together.
Ready to Make a Difference With Us?
Whether you’re reaching out for support, seeking more information or looking to give back, partner, join or volunteer, we’d love to hear from you.
Discover how Cafs supports children, families and individuals across the Central Highlands of Victoria with local, trauma-informed services in family safety, housing, youth care and more.
Free, confidential financial support to help you manage debt, build money skills and regain control — with personalised advice and practical tools that make a real difference.
