Public Health Wales (PHW) has introduced a new £1.4 million funding programme aimed at strengthening community-based efforts to reduce gambling-related harms across Wales over the next two years.
The Gambling Harms Voluntary Sector Grant Fund, launched in partnership with the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), marks the first stage of PHW’s wider strategy to address gambling-related harm through prevention and early support. The programme will distribute up to £700,000 each year, with individual organisations able to apply for grants of as much as £75,000 annually.
Applications will open on 31 August and close on 19 October 2026. Before the application window begins, PHW and WCVA will hold an information webinar on 12 August to explain the programme and application process.
Funding Aims to Strengthen Local Prevention Work
The grant programme is open to registered charities, community interest companies, voluntary groups and social enterprises delivering projects in Wales. Organisations of any size, whether operating locally or nationally, are eligible if their funded activities take place within the country.
PHW said it wants to support projects that focus on preventing gambling-related harm before it escalates. Eligible work includes public awareness campaigns designed to de-normalise harmful gambling behaviour, prevention initiatives for people considered at greater risk, community outreach, support for individuals affected by someone else’s gambling and new approaches to reducing gambling harm.
The programme also seeks projects that create longer-term benefits by increasing public understanding, incorporating lived experience into services or contributing evidence about effective prevention measures.
Particular attention will be given to organisations supporting communities facing increased risks, including people experiencing financial hardship, individuals involved with the criminal justice system and those affected by another person’s gambling.
Helen Erswell, Consultant in Public Health for the Gambling-Related Harms Programme at Public Health Wales, said: “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.”
Community Organisations Invited to Apply
WCVA will oversee administration of the grant programme, with PHW stating that applicants will have access to a bilingual application process.
Catherine Miller, Assistant Director of Grants & Income at WCVA, said: “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.”
Miller also said the organisation wants funding to reach a broad range of voluntary sector groups working with people facing elevated risks of gambling-related harm.
The Welsh initiative follows a broader effort announced elsewhere in the United Kingdom earlier this year. That programme allocated £25.4 million over two years to support gambling harm prevention, with funding generated through the statutory levy introduced for gambling operators in April last year.
Source:
“Public Health Wales launches £1.4 million gambling harms prevention grants programme”, phw.nhs.wales. July 26, 2026
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