The Department of Corrections has recognised the outstanding work of the Problem Gambling Foundation in the New Plymouth/Taranaki area by awarding local health promoter and counsellor Sandi Cummings with a Community Work Partnership award.
Presented by Corrections' Whanganui/Taranaki District Manager Coralea Easther, Sandi received her award for the work she and the Foundation have been providing to community-based offenders under the management of New Plymouth Community Corrections.
For the last two years Sandi has delivered an intervention programme weekly to between four and eight offenders in a group setting.
"Sandi's style of working with offenders is engaging, positive and respectful, while allowing offenders to be involved in the discussions and maintaining the image they want to present to the group," says Coralea.
The programme aims to educate and raise awareness around gambling addiction, general addiction and risk-taking. Participants are also informed about what support is available for them and their family members.