Our hidden health heroes
Every day across our region there’s a workforce of unsung heroes who are delivering innovative and vital solutions to some of the most complex and pressing health issues we face in our society.
Empowering lives on the edge of the Forest
In Totton, on the edge of the New Forest, many local people face daily challenges that go unnoticed: poverty, long-term illness, poor mental health, and social isolation. Youth and Families Matter (YFM), a grassroots charity based in the town, has worked for over 30 years to meet these challenges head-on.
Why small charities matter, and why they deserve our support
Around 96% of all UK charities have incomes under £1 million. That’s a staggering fact. These are often volunteer-led, stretched for resources, and juggling governance, service delivery and fundraising all at once.
Raising sails and aspirations: how a HIWCF grant is helping young people build brighter futures
In 2024, Ocean Youth Trust South (OYT South) received a transformative three-year grant of £25,000 from the Charles Burnett Memorial Fund, administered by HIWCF. The funding is part of HIWCF’s commitment to supporting projects across the region that build employability and skills – offering young people not just hope, but the tools and confidence to shape their future.
Basingstoke NeighbourCare: bringing community together through community cafés and social groups
Thanks to a £10,000 grant from HIWCF’s Including Communities Fund, Basingstoke NeighbourCare has been able to continue running its much-loved Community Cafés and social groups – offering vital connection and support to older residents across the Basingstoke area.
Isle of Wight Community Fund: benefiting Island causes
The Isle of Wight Community Fund supports local organisations working to reduce poverty and improve health and wellbeing. Grants of between £1,000 – £5,000 were awarded in 2024 to grassroots groups based on the Island.
Growing wellbeing in Basingstoke with Inspero
In 2024, Basingstoke based charity Inspero was awarded a £10,000 grant from the HIWCF Including Communities Fund to support its innovative community wellbeing programme, WellnessN’Wellies. The initiative uses nature, sustainable horticulture and therapeutic gardening to promote better mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing for local people aged 13 to 93.
Seeing the life changing impact of grassroots support
HIWCF was delighted to host its first Seeing Is Believing visit of the year in Kempshott, Basingstoke on 1 May. This unique event provides an opportunity for HIWCF donors and fundholders to see the impact of their generosity in deprived communities within Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Aurora New Dawn: empowering survivors
Aurora New Dawn, based in Hampshire, is a specialist charity offering life-saving support to survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence, and stalking. There is a deep, collective understanding from staff and volunteers, often shaped by lived experience, that influences every service Aurora provides, creating an environment where survivors are truly heard, respected, and empowered.
Past Futures – a people’s history of the Isle of Wight: a new heritage fund for the Island
Creative Island, in partnership with
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation is
pleased to be launching a new heritage fund – ‘Past Futures’ – A People’s History of the Isle
of Wight.
