UK-based gambling advocacy firm GambleAware has announced the launch of two new support programs for victims of gambling harm, to which the firm has pledged £3 million in funding.
These programs - named the Aftercare Funding Programme and the Community Resilience Fund - are intended to further GambleAware's existing efforts to reduce the negative effects of UK online gambling on affected players and communities alike.
Anna Hargrave, GambleAware's Chief Commissioning Officer, noted that these programmes will improve the capacities of gambling charities and support networks, allowing them to more effectively respond to incidences of problem gambling in their communities.
More specifically, the Aftercare Funding Programme (to which 2 of the £3 million will be allocated) will be used in collaboration with charitable organisations that provide aftercare services and support for people who are undergoing treatment for gambling-related issues. The program, GambleAware hopes, will allow these people to get back on their feet and rebuild their lives.
The fund will provide grants of up to £150,000 for new projects or smaller organisations and up to £350,000 for larger organisations.
Owen Baily, Lived Experience Consultant at GambleAware, said "The launch of GambleAware’s Aftercare Funding Programme is a much-needed and welcome investment, and will play a crucial role in the prevention of further gambling harm by funding a range of projects."
The Community Resilience Fund, meanwhile, is intended to give organizations access to rapid, short-term funding so that they can respond rapidly to gambling harm that has been exacerbated as a result of the rising cost of living.
Any new organizations or charities that submit an application will be considered for a grant of up to £100,000 for a period of one year.
"The Community Resilience Fund will help organisations to address specific needs within the community and the inequalities they experience," noted Anna Hargrave.
GambleAware established the Lived Experience Council in June 2022, which was an internal arm of GambleAware that called on real problem gambling victims to safely provide valuable first-hand experience, which would be used to further inform GambleAware's future programs and campaigns.
