What is Peer Support and how can it help with gambling related harms?:
Peer Support can be valuable in the recovery process as it provides a sense of connection, empathy and shared experience. Peer Support involves a counsellor as a group facilitator and individuals who have faced similar challenges by offering assistance, guidance, and understanding to those currently dealing with gambling-related issues.
The PEI Gambling Peer Support Groups aim to strengthen group members’ capacity to help themselves, and each other by:
• Reducing isolation
• Experiencing empathy and connection
• Sharing practical and emotional coping strategies
• Sharing problem solving skills
• Enhancing communication skills with others, including family, friends and health professionals
• Providing opportunity to discuss sensitive but important subjects, such as: shame, deception, not managing mentally or financially, stigma, suicidal thoughts, loss, their own suffering and suffering of loved ones
Mental Health and Addictions PEI Groups:
There are two weekly gambling support groups (facilitated by a trained clinician). One in Charlottetown and one in Summerside. Both are held on Thursday evenings. There is no need for referral and no need to call ahead to advise of attendance – drop-ins are welcome.
Charlottetown:
- Day: Thursdays
- Time: 4:30 - 6pm
- Location: 161 St. Peters Rd, Suite 120. (Sherwood Business Centre)
- For more information or questions please contact: 902-368-4287
Summerside:
- Day: Thursdays
- Time: 5:30 - 6:30pm
- Location: Community Mental Health and Addictions (back entrance to Prince County Hospital).
- For more information or questions please contact: 902-432-2589
*Note: In the event of inclement weather or holidays, please call ahead to make sure the group(s) are still gathering at the posted day and time. While we try to keep this information as updated as possible, please note that there could be changes at any time without notice.
Gamblers Anonymous Groups:
Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of people who share their experiences, strengths and hopes with each other to assist themselves and other members of the group to recover from gambling. Both in-person and online options exist.
Current weekly in-person Gamblers Anonymous meetings on PEI:
Charlottetown:
- Day: Tuesdays
- Time: 8pm
- Location: 96 Green St, Charlottetown
Abrams Village:
- Day: Tuesdays
- Time: 7pm
- Location: Club 50 - Abrams Village (8938 Rte 11. Wellington, PE)