Scotch Whisky Association sets up £500,000 to help alcohol-related harm

By Lucy Britner

Published: 10 December, 2013

The Scotch Whisky Association has launched a £500,000 action fund to tackle alcohol-related harm.

The £500,000 Scotch Whisky Action Fund is to make £100,000 available each year from 2014 to 2018 to projects working to reduce alcohol-related harm in Scotland.

The fund will invest in projects from charities and other organisations that work to reduce the impact of alcohol-related harm in Scotland's communities. The Scotch Whisky Action Fund will be managed by Foundation Scotland, an independent charity.

It has been set up to support and develop projects targeted at tackling harm among young people aged 18 and under, families affected by misuse and communities suffering as a result of irresponsible or excessive consumption of alcohol. Research commissioned by the SWA revealed that more work, and funding, is required to develop existing initiatives and support new programmes to combat misuse across these three themes.

Applications for support of new projects can seek an award of up to £10,000; existing initiatives, with a proven track record, can receive help up to £25,000.

Gavin Hewitt, Scotch Whisky Association chief executive, said: "Alcohol is part of Scottish life and brings a range of benefits to Scotland and its economy. But we recognise there is a problem with alcohol misuse that has to be tackled and we are committed to taking a central role to address misuse in this drive through our Scotch Whisky Action Fund.

"The Scotch Whisky Action Fund is our latest initiative tackling alcohol-related harm. We are looking to help charities and other organisations across Scotland which work to reduce alcohol misuse and aim to make a real difference."

The first deadline for applications is 31st March 2014. Organisations interested in finding out more or applying for funding should visit http://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/programmes/scotch-whisky-action-fund.aspx

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