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DCMS 'Connections Through Gaming' Pilot Fund (Boys 11-16)
Funding
£120,000 – £648,000
Deadline
12 September 2026
Location
England
Applications
Applications closed
Overview
DCMS is funding a three-year pilot that uses gaming to help boys aged 11 to 16 who feel lonely, isolated, or have low wellbeing. The pilot combines gaming activities with wellbeing support, confidence building, and chances to make friends both online and in person. It targets boys who are withdrawing from social life, struggling to connect with others, or not using existing youth services. Grants range from £50,000 to £648,000. You must be based in England to apply. The deadline is 12 September 2026.
Requirements to check
Who can apply:
Key requirements:
- Must deliver a three-year pilot programme
- Programme must use gaming to engage boys aged 11-16
- Must target boys experiencing loneliness, isolation, or low wellbeing
- Must operate in England
This summary may not include every exclusion. Check the full eligibility rules, including who and what the funder will not support.
This grant is for delivery partners in England who can run a three-year gaming and wellbeing programme for boys aged 11 to 16. You should have experience working with young people, particularly those at risk of loneliness or social isolation. It is not for businesses or organisations outside England.
Regions
Full details from Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
DCMS is providing grant funding for delivery partner(s) to test an innovative three-year ‘Connections through Gaming’ pilot that will use gaming as a route to engage boys aged 11–16 who may be experiencing loneliness, isolation or low wellbeing. The pilot will combine gaming-based activities, structured wellbeing and confidence-building support; opportunities to build friendships, confidence and positive social connections, both online and in person. The pilot is particularly focused on boys aged 11-16 who: - may be becoming withdrawn or isolated; - are struggling to build or maintain social connections; - are not currently engaging with existing youth services; and - would benefit from additional support before challenges become more entrenched.
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Last updated: 12 September 2026