Problem Gambling Primary Care Partnerships Program
There are 31 Primary Care Partnerships (PCP) funded as part of the Primary Care Partnership Strategy. Each of these represents a specific region within Victoria, which has formed alliances with a range of service providers. The Department of Justice provides dedicated resources to the PCP Integrated Health Promotion Strategy.
The Strategy and PCPs strengthen problem gambling Integrated Health Promotion (IHP) interventions and support Gambler’s Help services to partner with a broader range of agencies to extend the reach of their work.
Health and social welfare professionals working outside of Gambler’s Help services are often the first port of call for people seeking help for problem gambling. They play a crucial role in identifying clients with gambling problems, providing advice and referring clients to specialist problem gambling services.
PCPs are made up of a diverse range of member agencies. As core members of the partnerships all PCPs include:
- hospitals
- community health centres
- local government
- divisions of general practice.
Other types of agencies are also members of PCPs. These include:
- mental health services
- drug treatment services
- disability services.
The partners can also be specific to local issues and needs. For example, some PCPs have engaged with the police, schools and community groups.
Since the program was established, PCPs have built a more informed primary care sector in relation to the prevention of, and response to, problem gambling. The funding has also strengthened the evidence base of IHP interventions that aim to build community resilience to problem gambling.
For more information about PCPs see the Department of Health website.
Further information about problem gambling issues for health and social welfare professionals can be found online at Problem Gambling Professionals.