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.

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.

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.

Confidence in the community with Ability Dog, Jack

Ability Dogs

Jasper is the proud recipient of Ability Dog, Jack, who provides every day support both in his home and out in the community. 19 year old Jasper feels confident when he travels to university with Jack by his side. Without him, Jasper says he wouldn’t have felt able to make the commute for his studies.

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