Mental ill-health and problem gambling often go hand in hand, resulting in complex challenges that impact individuals, families, and communities. Anglicare Victoria’s Gambler’s Help Program has partnered with Making Media, Bendigo TAFE, and local schools in the Loddon Mallee region in a Podcast Challenge to raise awareness about these issues and encourage young people to access mental health support services early to prevent future harm.
This wasn’t your average partnership; the students were challenged to tackle tricky topics around mental health head-on, while also learning to create their own podcasts. It’s a chance for the students to build their confidence and develop skills in media production, presentation, and public speaking.
The project aimed to identify the barriers students experienced when seeking help for their mental health, and how to recognise when they need professional support. It also aims to raise awareness about the risks and stigma associated with mental ill-health, drug and alcohol misuse, and problem gambling.
AV partnered with Gambler’s Help, Australian Community Support Organisation (ACSO), Youth Support and Advocacy Service (YSAS), The Salvation Army, and headspace to deliver the program to deliver the program, and it’s been a big hit with the students and their teachers.
“I could never have given my students an opportunity and experience like this,” said one of the teachers who was involved. “I’ll be using everything I learned through this project when I teach the Literacy unit next year.”
After completing the challenge, 77 per cent of students said they would now feel comfortable accessing mental health support, and 100 per cent said they would seek help if they were experiencing a gambling problem.
The students are now promoting a digital flipbook which contains recordings of the podcasts they created, along with links to support services, to their friends and families. It’s hoped this resource will help build stronger relationships within the community by providing insight and information about issues their peers and loved ones may be experiencing.
The Podcast Challenge will continue until May 2025 and the school that receives the most views will win a podcast kit worth up to $2000.
