DCMS 'Connections Through Gaming' Pilot Fund (Boys 11-16)
Gaming-based support for boys aged 11–16 facing loneliness or isolation.
This pilot funds delivery partners to test gaming-based approaches that help boys aged 11–16 experiencing loneliness, isolation, social withdrawal or low wellbeing to build confidence, friendships and social connections.
The programme is for eligible UK-based organisations, including Local Authorities and charitable, benevolent or philanthropic institutions, applying alone or in a consortium. It …
Funding must be spent to improve social connections amongst boys aged 11–16 through targeted in-person and online gaming interventions. The pilot combines gaming-based activities, structured wellbeing and confidence-building support, and opportunities to build friendships and positive social connections. Online activities must operate in secure, moderated programme environments and must not include public livestreaming, communication with unknown users outside the programme environment, or features enabling direct contact with members of the public not known to the programme. The funds may not be used for academic research, advocacy and lobbying, capital expenditure, contributions to reserves, costs already funded, fees for professional fundraisers, individuals, party political organisations, promotion of religious beliefs, purchase of buildings or venues, rapid emergency response, debt or loan repayment, retrospective funding, vehicles, or projects outside the funding priorities.
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