UK charity sets up gambling harm fund to support local community

In an effort to raise gambling awareness, UK charity GambleAware is setting aside ￡1.24 million for a resilience fund launched in 2022 to support and educate local communities. The fund will also commission research with a view to identify the possible causes and consequences of the impact of problem gambling.

Provisions against gambling harms will also include educational programmes and treatment in collaboration with the NHS. The charity will focus on the UK’s most disadvantaged communities.? Research carried out indicated those living in deprived areas are “three times more likely to experience gambling harms compared to those in the less deprived communities”.

Projects to address deprived communities

As a result GambleAware invited partners and affiliates to apply for grants of not more than ￡100,000. Applications for funding were submitted by a number of projects that address inequalities in different deprived communities in UK. After a tough selection process by a panel of independent consultants 22 projects were selected.

Anna Hargrave, Chief Commissioning Officer of GambleAware said that the current cost-of-living crisis in the UK may lead to a rise in the number of people experiencing gambling harm and promised support to those facing these issues. “The fund also presents a valuable opportunity to engage with communities across the country and tackle the stigma associated with speaking openly about the effect these harms can have,” she added.

Community funding will be eligible to a number of qualifying communities that include Refugee Access, Wigan Warriors Community Foundation, Hull FC Rugby Community Sports and Education Foundation, Azad Kashmir Welfare Association, Yellow Scarf CIO, Reframe Coaching CIC, Solihull Moors Foundation, Alabare Christian Care & Support, Blackburn Foodbank, Age UK Westminster, Shama Women’s Centre, Al Hurraya, Prison Radio Association, Simon Community Scotland, Derbyshire Alcohol Advice Service, The Cedarwood Trust, Coram’s Field, IMO Charity, Just B (St Michael’s Hospice), Big Issue Foundation, Mind Suffolk and Epic Restart Foundation.

The community resilience fund will be evaluated throughout the funding period, with the final evaluation report expected in April 2024.

GambleAware

GambleAware is a UK independent charity that commissions the prevention of gambling harm and provides treatment to those who need it.? GambleAware works in partnership with the NHS and promotes public health campaigns.? It commissions research to evaluate, educate and improve the public on gambling awareness. There is a free helpline open 24 hours, 7 days a week.

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