Beyond the Build: How Co-Design Created a Safe Haven for Women Affected by Gambling Harm

In the third sector’s digital landscape of 2026, “best practice” is no longer defined just by how a website looks, but by how it feels to the person using it. At Third Sector Lab, we recently had the privilege of leading the co-design and development of AILA Scotland—a digital space commissioned by Simon Community Scotland and the RCA Trust.

The Challenge: Breaking the Silence

Gambling harm among women is often hidden and highly stigmatised. The brief was clear: create a gendered digital environment where women could find one another, share their stories, and access support without fear of judgment. This wasn’t just a technical build; it was an exercise in digital empathy.

Our Role: Co-Design & Development

Third Sector Lab was brought in to translate a complex, sensitive vision into a functional, psychologically safe digital reality. Our contribution focused on two core pillars:

1. Inclusive Co-Design We didn’t build for women; we built with them. By facilitating a co-design process, we ensured that the navigation, aesthetic, and tone of the site mirrored the needs of its users. Drawing inspiration from community-centric spaces like Metzineres and Refuweegee, we prioritised a “warm” digital interface over a clinical one.
2. Multi-Media Development & The “Human Library” The technical development focused on accessibility across mediums. We built a custom framework to support:

• The Human Library: A flagship feature allowing users to “check out” stories via blog posts, podcasts, videos, and artwork.
• Integrated Support: Seamless pathways to speak directly with dedicated support workers.
• Psychological Safety: Every developmental choice—from the “quick exit” buttons to the data privacy protocols—was engineered to ensure women felt comfortable sharing their experiences.

2026 Best Practice: The Result

The success of AILA Scotland was recently recognised at the Digital Health & Care Awards 2026, a testament to what happens when third-sector organisations invest in high-quality, co-produced digital infrastructure.

For TSL, this project exemplifies the 2026 standard for development: digital tools must be as human as the services they represent. We are incredibly proud to have provided the technical foundation and design leadership that allowed Simon Community Scotland and RCA Trust to bring this vital service to life.