Smoking prevalence remains disproportionately high among certain communities in Warwickshire, particularly those experiencing health inequalities and social exclusion. There is a clear gap in community-led, culturally appropriate engagement.

The Smoke Free Warwickshire programme is providing funding to local charities, CICs and not for profit community groups delivering in Warwickshire to design and deliver tailored smoking cessation engagement projects to these priority groups. Round two is now open, with approximately £8,000 of funding to be awarded.

Overall Aim
To increase awareness of, engagement with, and uptake of smoking cessation support among priority communities in Warwickshire through community-based, culturally sensitive, and innovative approaches delivered by voluntary, community, Social Enterprise and Faith Sector (VCSFE) partners.

We are actively seeking creative, inclusive, and community-led ideas. We recognise that different communities require different approaches, and welcome proposals that challenge traditional health messaging in appropriate and thoughtful ways.

Priority Groups
The programme grants are aimed at:

• Ethnic minority communities
• Refugee, migrant, and traveller communities
• People living in areas of high deprivation
• People with learning disabilities
• Homeless populations

We are keen to fund programmes across Warwickshire. The panel will prioritise applications that meet the priority groups listed above.

What We Will Fund
VCSFE groups may apply for funding to deliver activities such as (but not limited to):

• Community-led smoking cessation awareness campaigns
• Culturally tailored messaging and materials
• Peer-led conversations, workshops, or drop-ins
• Outreach work in trusted community settings
• Training community champions or volunteers
• Engagement events linked to existing community activities
• Support to navigate and refer into local stop-smoking services

All projects will be expected to participate in NCSCT VBA training

Note: This programme is not intended to replace clinical cessation services, but to complement them by increasing reach, trust, and engagement.

Funding Available
Total programme budget for Round two: £8,000, we are seeking applications between £500 and £3,000

Programmes must be delivered by 31st March 2027

Who Can Apply

• Registered charities, CICs, or not-for-profit community organisations
• Faith organisations

Organisations should be able to demonstrate experience working with one or more priority groups.

Organisations should be able to evidence trusted relationships within their communities

Organisations who have received funding under Round 1 are not eligible to re-apply.

Useful Information
Successful applicants will have access to an existing bank of promotional materials

Application Process
Complete the Smoking Cessation EOI document. Applications should be emailed to wdinfo@wcava.org.uk

Application Deadline: 12.00 midday on the 25th September 2026, applications will not be accepted after this point.

Expected Outcomes
Funded projects should contribute to one or more of the following:

• Increased awareness of smoking harms and cessation support
• Improved trust in stop-smoking services
• Increased referrals or signposting to local services
• Reduced stigma or barriers around quitting smoking
• Stronger community capacity to support smoke-free messages

We will take a proportionate approach to monitoring, focusing on learning and impact

Monitoring & Learning
Organisations will be asked to provide:

• A short delivery summary
• Basic outputs (e.g. number of people engaged)
• Qualitative insight (what worked, what didn’t, community feedback)

This learning will help shape future Smoke Free engagement across Warwickshire.

Grant contact – please send any queries to wdinfo@wcava.org.uk