Community organisations across North Wales are being encouraged to bid for a share of a new £1.4 million fund aimed at preventing gambling-related harm before it reaches crisis point.

Public Health Wales (PHW), in partnership with the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), has launched the Gambling Harms Voluntary Sector Grant Fund, which will support charities, community interest companies, voluntary groups and social enterprises delivering prevention projects across Wales.

The two-year programme will make up to £700,000 available each year, with organisations able to apply for grants of up to £75,000 annually to develop community-based initiatives.

The funding comes as gambling continues to be recognised as a growing public health issue, affecting not only those who gamble but also their families, relationships, finances and mental wellbeing.

While there are no published figures specifically for North Wales, Public Health Wales has previously highlighted the need for better Welsh data on gambling harms and is developing a dedicated prevalence survey for Wales. Existing evidence suggests gambling-related harms are more likely to affect people experiencing financial hardship and deprivation, as well as those in contact with the criminal justice system.

The latest Gambling Survey for Great Britain found that 59% of adults had taken part in some form of gambling during the previous 12 months. In Wales, an estimated 1.7% of adults who gamble met the threshold for experiencing severe gambling problems, although experts caution that local-level estimates remain limited because of sample sizes.

The new Welsh fund is particularly seeking applications from organisations working with communities most at risk of gambling harm, including people experiencing financial hardship, individuals involved with the criminal justice system and families affected by another person's gambling.

Projects could include public awareness campaigns, targeted prevention work with higher-risk groups, community outreach, support for affected families and friends, and innovative approaches to reducing gambling harms.

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."

For North Wales, the funding could provide opportunities for local charities and community organisations working across counties including Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Anglesey and Wrexham to develop projects tailored to local needs.

Catherine Miller, Assistant Director of Grants and 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."

Applications open on 31 August and close on 19 October. A joint Public Health Wales and WCVA information webinar for prospective applicants will take place on 12 August.

Public Health Wales says the programme marks the first stage of a wider national strategy to reduce gambling-related harm through prevention and early intervention, helping people before gambling begins to damage their health, finances and family life.