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GambleAware has distributed £2.2m through its Community Resilience Fund (CRF) since its launch in 2022, specifically targeting rising vulnerability linked to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
The fund marked the charity’s first open funding initiative available to organisations outside the traditional gambling harms sector, with a strong focus on underserved communities. It is now in its final phase of delivery.
Immense impact
The charity has released a new independent evaluation by Ipsos which highlights the fund’s reach, particularly in marginalised and ethnic minority communities disproportionately affected by gambling harm.
So far, almost 14,000 people have been supported through awareness campaigns and early intervention efforts, with the fund providing 12-month grants to 12 grassroots groups.
Many were first-time recipients, using funds to raise awareness and offer early intervention. After reporting strong results, GambleAware then extended support with £1.66m to 11 projects – showing high impact and long-term potential.
Anna Hargrave, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Commissioning and Strategy Officer for GambleAware, commented: “The effects of gambling harm can grip anyone, and having grassroots, community focused organisations that can reach individuals at risk, is vital.
“The Community Resilience Fund is here for that very reason, so that we can reach the people who need support most. We’re really pleased that funded projects have been able to reach thousands of people, especially those from underrepresented communities who might not otherwise seek support.”
Some of the aforementioned projects consisted of; Al Hurraya, Big Issue Foundation, Blackburn Foodbank, Coram’s Field, Epic Restart Foundation, Hull FC Rugby Community Sports and Education Foundation, Prison Radio Association, Reframe Coaching, Sharma Women’s Centre, Simon Community Scotland and Yellow Scarf.
Hargrave emphasised that it is “hugely important” that there is recognition of the sector’s growing shift from fragmented services to whole-system responses.
She added: “The protection against gambling harms requires joint ownership across public health, lived experience, communities, and systems.”
What has been done?
Looking at Blackburn Foodbank for example, GambleAware gave a grant of up to £100,000 as part of the initial £1.2m CRF allocation, which helped integrate gambling harm awareness into the organisation’s existing services.
Meanwhile, GambleAware also partnered with Yellow Scarf to expand blocking software to include Ukrainian, Polish, and Russian versions, making it accessible to vulnerable Eastern European migrants who often face language barriers.
Additionally, at the Prison Radio Association, the charity enabled the production and distribution of the podcast series Hold or Fold which delves into the impacts of problem gambling via personal stories.
Finally, at Al Hurraya, a Nottingham-based charity which focuses on assisting Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities dealing with addiction and related issues, the funding enhanced services and provided support to individuals affected by gambling harms.
Manjit Bajwa, Al-Hurraya Operations Manager and CRF Project Manager, concluded: “We are deeply committed to raising awareness and reducing harm associated with gambling. We’ve been fortunate to work closely with our communities, offering both individual counselling and crucial family support.
“We greatly appreciate the chance to share best practices and learning with our esteemed partners, including EPIC Restart Foundation and Shama Women’s Centre in the East Midlands, as part of the CRF Project.”
