Public Health Wales launches new Gambling Levy-funded prevention programme

Organisations of all sizes will be able to apply to the Gambling Harms Voluntary Sector Grant Fund.

UK.- The NHS Wales national public health agency Public Health Wales (PHW) has announced a new funding programme for community-led gambling harm initiatives. The Gambling Harms Voluntary Sector Grant Fund will provide up to £700,000 per year over a two-year period, with individual organisations able to apply for up to £75,000 annually. 

Funding for the initiative will come from the new UK Gambling Levy, which came into effect in April 2025. It will be open to organisations of all sizes, including registered charities, community interest companies, voluntary groups and social enterprises, with a requirement that all funded activity be delivered in Wales. 

PHW said it was particularly keen to hear from organisations working with communities most at risk, including people experiencing financial hardship, those in contact with the criminal justice system and those affected by another person’s gambling.  

It said eligible activities could include public awareness and de-normalisation of harmful gambling behaviours, targeted prevention for higher-risk populations, community outreach and social action, support for those affected by others’ gambling and new and innovative approaches to prevention.

All activities must have an impact on the long-term prevention of gambling harms, whether through raising awareness, incorporating lived experience or even developing evidence of what effective intervention looks like. 

The programme will be administered by the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA). Applications will open on August 31 and close on October 19. A joint PHW and WCVA webinar will be held on August 12 to provide more details

Helen Erswell, Consultant in Public Health for the Gambling-Related Harms Programme, Public Health Wales, said: “This programme will support organisations closest to those most affected. It will deliver prevention and early intervention, focusing 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, 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.”