SWAF funding for Own It!

Fast Forward is one of five organisations in Scotland working to tackle alcohol misuse and promote responsible drinking have been awarded more than £46,000 by the Scotch Whisky Action Fund.

The SWAF funding will contribute towards our ‘Own It!’ project, created by Fast Forward’s Arts-Based Project Director Kai Peacock, which uses a virtual platform designed to teach young people that they have the power and autonomy to make good decisions around the use of alcohol.

Allie Cherry-Byrnes, CEO, Fast Forward, said, “We would like to thank the Scotch Whisky Action Fund for their confidence in our project to pilot the Own It! approach with young people across Scotland, with a focus on raising awareness of alcohol related harm.”

The projects granted funding in this year’s awards aim to ensure that the effects of alcohol misuse can continue to be addressed in a supportive setting. They recognise that this support is all the more important because of the pressures on everyone’s lives caused by COVID-19.  The projects have adapted how they deliver support during the current restrictions, so they can operate in COVID-secure ways, including embracing virtual platforms.

Dame Joan Stringer, Chair of the decision-making panel for the Scotch Whisky Action Fund, said, “Supporting the work of the projects selected to receive the Scotch Whisky Action Fund for 2020 is more important than ever in the wake of COVID-19. The applications we received demonstrate a breadth of targeted support for different demographics. We look forward to working with these projects and seeing their positive impact to address alcohol related harm over the coming year.”

Karen Betts, Chief Executive of the Scotch Whisky Association said: “The Scotch Whisky industry is committed to tackling alcohol misuse and supporting the organisations receiving awards this year is very important to us.  It’s particularly important at a time when COVID-19 is putting enormous pressure on individuals, families and communities across Scotland.  These projects represent part of the industry’s broader commitment to tackling alcohol misuse.”

The Scotch Whisky Action Fund was established in 2013 by the Scotch Whisky industry.  It has made over 50 awards to projects across Scotland working to reduce alcohol-related harm and has disbursed £750,000 in funding to date. The Fund primarily supports small, grassroots projects to help them scale into larger initiatives. It is managed by Foundation Scotland and awards are decided by an independent panel.