We are thrilled to announce the return of the Innovation Fund for 2025, continuing CAP’s commitment to supporting imaginative projects aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm among children and young people.

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The CAP Innovation Fund champions the vital role of creativity in engaging young people on this important issue. By encouraging fresh and inventive approaches, the fund empowers local CAPs to develop impactful projects that resonate with their target audience, promoting healthy, alcohol-free lifestyles. It is funded by ASDA, one of CAP’s longstanding partners.

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Last year the Innovation Fund supported a diverse range of projects, each tailored to meet the unique needs of its community. These include:  

• "My Drink. My Choice." (Cardiff): This campaign encourages venues to offer more alcohol-free options, giving young adults fun nightlife choices without alcohol and challenging social norms. Its launch event, a "Drink and Draw" night (an art class in a bar) evening, was a huge success and garnered widespread media attention, highlighting the growing demand for alcohol-free activities.  

• Silverdale School (North Tyneside): Funding has enabled this school for students with social, emotional, and mental health difficulties to create a café, providing valuable social and life skills, and to enhance their community garden, offering year-round opportunities for learning and growth.  

• Edinburgh CAPs: Funding has supported a range of initiatives, including cookery classes led by local chefs (and showcased on TikTok), and the revitalisation of neglected underpasses, creating safer and more welcoming public spaces.  

• Plymouth CAP: The Innovation Fund has empowered the creation of a Youth Committee, giving young people valuable experience in voluntary work and event planning, and has also supported cooking events and community art projects.  

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“We are absolutely delighted that Asda is continuing to support our Innovation Fund,” said Kate Winstanley, Director of CAP. “This funding is crucial in enabling local CAPs to develop and deliver impactful projects that make a real difference to the lives of young people. Last year the Innovation Fund was four times oversubscribed which highlights just how important funding like this is.”  

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“We’ve been blown away by the creativity and dedication shown by projects that were awarded innovation funding last year, and we can’t wait to see what ideas are brought forward in 2025.”  

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Unlocking Funding for Bold Initiatives

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All active Community Alcohol Partnerships are invited to apply for grants of up to £5,000 to support projects that:

• Demonstrate significant innovation and creativity.

• Present a clear and compelling engagement strategy for young people.

• Promise a positive and measurable impact on the local community.

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Active CAPs are encouraged to consider how they can leverage innovative approaches to address underage drinking in their local areas and apply for this funding opportunity.

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