GambleAware is extending its resources and support packages for those that suffer from gambling-related harm by launching a new Aftercare and Community Resilience programme.
Launched as part of the charity’s grant directives for 2022, the funding programmes focus on supporting those communities most at-risk of problem gambling harms, by helping victims in recovery and disadvantaged communities most affected by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
The Aftercare Programme is supported by £2m in funding to help people in the phase of longer-term recovery from gambling addiction, by providing participants with a structured aftercare programme for their recovery and integration with day-to-day life.
GambleAware seeks local-level projects to support the Aftercare Programme development and community engagement, in which new and existing partners will be able to apply for grants of £150,000 to £350,000.
Owen Baily, a Lived Experience Consultant, 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.
“Enabling people to build on their recovery capital is a key ingredient in ensuring people have the best chance to achieve and sustain long-term recovery from gambling harms following gambling treatment.”
The Community Resilience Fund (CRF) will provide £1m in short-term funding to community-led organisations to respond quickly to the cost-of-living crisis, and the impact this has had in exacerbating gambling harms and increased exposure to them.
GambleAware will allow new partners and charities to apply for up to £100,000 for 12 months to help support its Community Resilience Fund.
Anna Hargrave, Chief Commissioning Officer, GambleAware said: “We are delighted to launch these two funding programmes which will build capacity among charities and organisations to better respond to gambling harms in their communities and support people in long-term recovery.
“Whilst there are many people who receive successful treatment and support for gambling harms, there is less known about how to ensure recovery is sustained. The Aftercare Funding Programme will help people in this phase of longer-term recovery and responds to the need for a long-term structured aftercare programme.
“The Community Resilience Fund will help organisations to address specific needs within the community and the inequalities they experience.”
This comes as GambleAware seeks new ways to fund RET projects after the NHS cut ties with the charity over concerns expressed over the industry funding such programmes.
