Introduction
This report details the methodology and results of a pilot distribution of hard copy self-help information via seventeen "self-service" display stands in thirteen locations within the Southern Metropolitan Region (SMR). The host organisations were diverse, including local government offices, gaming venues, a health service, a pharmacy, a neighbourhood centre, an ethno-specific agency and a video rental shop. The pilot was undertaken as part of the Gambler's Help Southern Community Education (CE) plan for 2005/2006. It represented the second stage of a project to explore strategies to reach and assist people who may be experiencing gambling-related harm or want to change their gambling behaviour but who, for various reasons, do not access Gambler's Help Southern (GHS) services.
Phase 1 of the project focused upon print media piloting of two messages which advertised a collection of self-help materials known as an "Action Pack". The messages posed questions about spending more money on gambling than intended or more time on gambling than planned and directed readers to either telephone for an Action Pack or access it online. Advertisements were placed in local newspapers and response rates recorded as a measure of reach. Feedback about the content of the Action Pack was also sought through the inclusion of a brief questionnaire and reply paid envelope in the pack. The full report on Phase 1 of the Self Help Project is available at http://www.ghsouthern.org.au/selfhelp/0405%20selfhelp%20report.pdf
Phase 1 demonstrated the merits of the pilot messages and of using both hard copy and soft copy resources. It also highlighted the fact that print media campaigns of the magnitude required to capture the SMR catchment area are not viable given the limitations of the GHS communication budget. As a consequence of these findings, Phase 2 piloted the in situ advertising and distribution of hard copies of the Action Pack from display stands in a variety of community locations. The display stand advertisement retained the reference to the online availability of the Action Pack.
Acknowledgements
This project was made possible by the involvement of a number of organisations who volunteered time and resources:
Hosting of Action Pack display stands:
Australian Greek Welfare Society, Chelsea RSL, Civic Video Frankston South,
Dingley International Hotel, Elwood St. Kilda Neighbourhood Learning Centre, Frankston City Council, Frankston Integrated Health Service, Heatherhill Road Pharmacy, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, St. Kilda Football Social Club
Translation:
Australian Greek Welfare Society
Assistance with Recruitment:
Kingston City Council
Gambler's Help Southern greatly appreciates these contributions.
