Two-Year Programme Invites Applications from Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise Organizations Across Wales
In partnership with the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), Public Health Wales (PHW) has launched the Gambling Harms Voluntary Sector Grant Fund. This new two-year initiative is designed to support community, voluntary, and social enterprise organizations in delivering gambling harm prevention activities throughout Wales, marking the first step in PHW’s broader strategy to prevent gambling-related harms.
The fund will provide up to £700,000 per year over the two-year period, allowing eligible organizations to apply for up to £75,000 annually. Applications open on August 31, 2026, and will close on October 19, 2026, with a joint PHW and WCVA information webinar scheduled for August 12.
Eligible Activities and Focus Areas
The grant is open to registered charities, community interest companies, voluntary groups, and social enterprises operating within Wales. PHW is especially keen to support initiatives focused on high-risk populations and communities experiencing inequalities.
Eligible activities include, but are not limited to:
- Public awareness and the de-normalisation of harmful gambling behaviors
- Targeted prevention for higher-risk demographics
- Community outreach and social action initiatives
- Support services for individuals affected by someone else’s gambling
- Innovative and new approaches to harm prevention and early intervention
WCVA will administer the programme to ensure a fully bilingual, accessible, and high-quality application process for national and local organizations of all sizes.
Executive Perspectives
Helen Erswell, Consultant in Public Health for the Gambling-Related Harms Programme at Public Health Wales, stated:
“This programme will support organisations closest to those most affected. It will deliver prevention and early intervention, focussing on addressing inequalities and reaching those most at risk of harm. It’s a crucial moment for tackling gambling-related harm in Wales, and we encourage any organisation passionate about making a difference to apply.”
Catherine Miller, Assistant Director of Grants & Income at WCVA, added:
“We know that some of the most effective prevention work happens directly in communities and we want to support that as much as possible. That’s why we’re keen for this fund to reach a wide range of voluntary sector organisations across the country. If you’re working with people at risk of gambling-related harm, we’d urge you to find out more and consider applying.”
