In the realm of combating gambling harm and addressing health inequalities, GambleAware has taken significant strides with the launch of two impactful funding programs: The Aftercare Funding Programme and the Community Resilience Fund. These initiatives, spearheaded by GambleAware Chief Commissioning Officer Anna Hargrave, signify a commitment to supporting communities and individuals affected by gambling-related issues.
The Aftercare Funding Programme: Rebuilding Lives
With a budget of £2 million, the Aftercare Funding Programme stands as a beacon of hope for those navigating the turbulent waters of gambling addiction. Its primary aim? To collaborate with charitable organizations in providing vital support services, facilitating the journey of individuals undergoing treatment towards reclaiming their lives.
This initiative caters to a spectrum of needs, extending a helping hand to both small-scale organizations and larger entities. Small organizations and burgeoning projects have the opportunity to secure grants of up to £150,000, while larger organizations can access funding of up to £350,000. This inclusive approach ensures that resources are distributed equitably, maximizing the reach and impact of the program.
Owen Baily, a Lived Experience Consultant, underscores the significance of this initiative, emphasizing its pivotal role in preventing further gambling harm. The Aftercare Funding Programme not only fosters recovery but also serves as a proactive measure against the perpetuation of gambling-related issues within communities.
The Community Resilience Fund: Responding to Urgent Needs
In the face of escalating challenges posed by the cost of living crises, the Community Resilience Fund emerges as a lifeline for organizations striving to mitigate gambling harm promptly. With a budget of £1 million, this fund is tailored to offer rapid, short-term assistance to organizations grappling with exacerbations of gambling-related harm within communities.
Newly established organizations and charities seeking to make a difference can avail themselves of this opportunity, with grants of up to £100,000 available for a duration of 12 months. This swift and flexible funding mechanism empowers organizations to address emergent needs effectively, bolstering community resilience in the face of adversity.
Anna Hargrave affirms the critical role played by the Community Resilience Fund in bridging gaps and addressing inequalities within communities. By offering targeted support, this initiative endeavors to uplift communities, ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against gambling harm.
The Lived Experience Council: Amplifying Voices, Driving Change
In June 2022, GambleAware launched the Lived Experience Council, an innovative scheme designed to combat gambling harm through community engagement. This initiative revolves around harnessing the power of lived experiences, enlisting ambassadors who possess firsthand insight into the challenges posed by gambling addiction.
The Lived Experience Council serves as a conduit for meaningful dialogue and action, fostering connections between affected communities and key stakeholders. By amplifying voices that are often marginalized, this initiative drives systemic change, shaping policies and interventions that resonate with the realities faced by individuals and communities.
Through the Lived Experience Council, GambleAware reinforces its commitment to inclusivity and collaboration, recognizing that meaningful change can only be achieved through collective effort. By leveraging the expertise and insights of those with lived experience, this initiative heralds a new era of empathy-driven approaches in tackling gambling harm.
Towards a Brighter Future
In the realm of gambling harm prevention, GambleAware’s initiatives stand as beacons of hope, illuminating pathways towards recovery, resilience, and social change. Through the Aftercare Funding Programme and the Community Resilience Fund, tangible support is extended to those in need, fostering empowerment and healing within communities.