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Funding

Phase 3: Year 2 Opportunity

Digital Lifelines Scotland (DLS) is inviting applications from Alcohol and Drug Partnerships (ADPs), working in partnership with local organisations, for Year 2 seed funding to embed digital inclusion into local support pathways.

We are looking for partnerships ready to strengthen collaboration, build on national learning, and take practical steps to make digital inclusion part of everyday support for people who use drugs.

Applications must be led by an ADP. Local organisations cannot apply independently.

This opportunity is open to ADPs that are not currently funded through the Digital Lifelines Scotland Phase 3 programme.

Key Dates

Applications open

Wednesday 19 March

Applications close

Thursday 30 April at Noon

What this opportunity offers

  • Seed funding to build the foundations for system change

  • Support to embed digital inclusion into two to three priority pathways

  • Access to national learning, resources and programme support

  • An opportunity to build sustainable, digitally enabled approaches that improve outcomes for people at risk of drug-related harm

Funding available

Total fund value:
£280,000


Number of awards:
2 ADPs


Funding per partnership:
Proportionate to project needs (not a fixed split)


Funding period:
Until 31 March 2027

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Who should apply

This opportunity is open to additional Alcohol and Drug Partnerships (ADPs) working in partnership with local delivery organisations.

Year 2 will support two new ADPs to join the Digital Lifelines Scotland Phase 3 programme. Current Phase 3 partnerships are not eligible to apply.

Year 2 is aimed at ADPs that have strong leadership commitment and good partnership foundations, even if digital inclusion work is still developing locally.

If you are ready to build on existing activity and make digital inclusion part of routine practice, we want to hear from you.

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What success looks like

Because this funding is designed as seed funding for system change, success will not only be measured through activity levels. We are interested in how partnerships strengthen support pathways, improve collaboration and embed digital inclusion within everyday practice.

By the end of the funded period, projects may demonstrate:

  • clearer referral routes into digital inclusion support

  • stronger collaboration between statutory and voluntary partners

  • increased workforce confidence supporting digital engagement

  • improved access to services for people at risk of drug-related harm

  • practical learning that can inform future ADP practice

Key Dates

  • Applications open: 19th March 2026
     

  • Fund Information Session 1: 26th March 2026 10:00-11:00
     

  • Fund Information Session 2: 30th March 2026 13:30-14:30
     

  • DLS Masterclass 1: 1st April 2026 10:00-11:25
     

  • DLS Masterclass 2: 13th April 2026 14:00-15:25
     

  • Applications close: 30th April 2026 at Noon
     

  • Decision Outcome: 28th May 2026
     

  • Awards to be spent by: 31st March 2027

Application materials

Understand the background and purpose of the programme

Explore the full funding scope and requirements

Download the application template to prepare your submission

Download the budget template to plan your project costs

Submit your application through the online form

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