Racing Assist

Racing And Wagering WA has extended its mental health and wellbeing support to licenced racing trainers, harness drivers, stable hands/stable forepersons, track work riders, greyhound attendants, farriers, riders agents and permanent/part-time race club employees.

Racing Assist offers you access to a free, independent and confidential psychological support service anytime and anywhere. Racing Assist offers 24 hour phone support by calling 1300 307 912 (free call) and up to six free registered face to face counselling sessions run by trained professionals.

The phone line is staffed 24/7 for emergency/urgent counselling services only. Otherwise the operator will work with you to make a time that suits for your free appointments. In the case of an emergency, please call 000.

Our people are our greatest assets and your emotional, mental and general psychological wellbeing is vital to the success of the racing industry. Racing Assist is here to provide confidential support to you!

Provider

PeopleSense are the provider of the psychological counselling services available through Racing Assist. They operate independently to Racing and Wagering WA and all psychologists involved in the provision of counselling are registered with the Australian Health Practitioners’ Regulation Authority, and some are members of the Australian Psychological Society. This ensures that the highest standard of counselling services are available to you.

As a precautionary measure to protect people’s wellbeing and ensure adequate social distancing, the Racing Assist provider PeopleSense, has shifted a majority of their services to remote delivery via telephone/video call.

For more information, visit www.peoplesense.com.au

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I need to talk to someone, what do I do?

A. Simply call 1300 307 912 where you will be greeted by PeopleSense. From there they will talk to you about your needs and come up with a plan to help you. Don’t forget the call is free!

Q. I don’t live near the Perth CBD, is Racing Assist available in regional locations?

A. PeopleSense have a large number of affiliate psychologists in rural areas to ensure that licenced participants no matter their geographical location are afforded quick and efficient access to a registered psychologist. All you need to do is call! Please be aware that for regional appointments after your initial call to 1300 307 912 you will be contacted within 48 hours to schedule as suitable time to meet with an affiliated psychologist.

Q. What can PeopleSense assist me with?

A. PeopleSense are staffed by psychologists who are equipped to talk to you about numerous issues which may be affecting your physical and mental wellbeing. Sleeplessness, workplace issues, anxiety, depression, feelings of helplessness caused by drug and alcohol use, gambling issues, financial and legal worries, relationship matters and so on to name a few.

Q. I have issues with people in the workplace, and need some advice. Can Racing Assist help me?

A. Racing Assist can assist you to find a solution to situations you may be having in the workplace.

Q. Sometimes the racing industry just takes its toll and gets too hard. If I need to speak to someone outside of my family and friends, could I call Racing Assist?

A. Most definitely. Talking to someone independent and professional may provide you with solutions or strategies to tackle the issues you are facing.

Q. I work hectic hours and don’t really have the time to attend appointments?

A. PeopleSense are staffed 24/7 for phone emergency counselling services and will work with you to make a time that suits for follow up appointments. Face to face appointments can be made between 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and you can always talk over the phone at a scheduled time too.

Q. Why is it called ‘Racing Assist’ when I’m calling PeopleSense?

A. Racing Assist is the name of our industry assistance program. PeopleSense is the professional service provider contracted by Racing and Wagering WA to provide the service to you. PeopleSense provides the psychological services and offers the highest industry standards and are independent from racing and Wagering WA. You can find out more about PeopleSense at www.peoplesense.com.au

Q. How will my confidentiality be maintained?

A. PeopleSense is the organisation that manages your care and your personal details. They are bound by strict confidentiality codes of practice.

Q. What information will Racing and Wagering WA get?

A. PeopleSense provides Racing and Wagering WA with a report on a quarterly basis that summarises usage / gender and general issues such as relationship / drug and alcohol issues / loss and grief issues etc. Racing and Wagering WA won’t know names of who has called or any information that could identify licenced participants.

Q. Why does Racing and Wagering WA need to know anything?

A. Apart from good governance of the program, Racing and Wagering WA will use the data to further develop the program for licenced participants and industry personnel.

Q. What happens if I tell my psychologist about something that broke the rules of racing?

A. Nothing. PeopleSense has no responsibilities beyond helping licenced participants included in the program via the provision of counselling support services.

Q. Is there ever a time my psychologist can break confidentiality?

A. Yes. If your psychologist thinks you are at risk of harming yourself or another person, then they are required by law to inform necessary parties. For example, your partner if you are at risk or the police if they feared somebody else was at risk.

Q. How long can I access free support for?

A. Racing Assist enables you to access the first six sessions for free. If you are working with a psychologist and you both decide that you will need more sessions, then they will work to transition you onto a Mental Health Care Plan which is Medicare (government) supported psychologist sessions.

For other queries or if you would like to speak to someone from Racing & Wagering WA in regards to this program (administrative purposes only) please call 9445 5483.