By Matt York, HIWCF Trustee
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.
As a HIWCF Trustee, I see firsthand that this workforce is not led by surgeons or scientists – though their work is vital – but by a different kind of practitioner. They are the people running food banks, picking up the phone to those facing mental health crisis, leading nature workshops to help ground children in their surroundings, mentoring young people through sport, supporting families to care for their loved ones, enabling people to process life-changing injury or helping isolated adults stay connected.
The organisations who deliver these services – often small, often local, and nearly always under-resourced – are at the heart of our collective wellbeing. They do more than plug gaps; they create the conditions for people to live healthier, happier lives.
Health starts in the community
We all know that health is about more than medicine. It’s about the environment you live in, the relationships you have, and the opportunities you’re given.
That’s where local charities come in. They understand the communities they serve. They are a pivotal part of our health systems. And they’re innovating every day with limited resources – often filling the gaps left by overstretched public services.
Small charities, big impact
You don’t have to look far to see the difference being made: HIWCF has funded a number of initiatives over the years including organisations like Basingstoke and District Young Carers so they can provide respite to young carers; Ability Dogs 4 Young People who provide trained assistance dogs to enhance the independence of disabled young people; and early intervention initiatives such as The Isle of Wight Youth Trust’s work with young people to build self-esteem and resilience. These aren’t ‘nice extras’ – their importance should never be devalued – they’re lifelines.
Why it matters and what you can do
If we want healthier communities and a better quality of life throughout our lives, we must start by backing the people and the organisations who are already making it happen.
That means working with them – not around them – as part of a more joined-up approach to health and wellbeing.
Because real change doesn’t always start in hospitals. Sometimes, it starts with a football, it starts at community centre, it starts over a coffee and with a keen ear, but it always starts with people.
At HIWCF, we think everyone should have the opportunity to lead happy and healthy lives, and we’re proud to have awarded funds of more than £476,000 to charities and projects working in the health arena across our region during 2024. Yet we know health inequality is increasing and that further economic turbulence brings additional health challenges, as cuts often mean leaving the most vulnerable at greater risk.
But you can do something about it. You can join us and others who are pooling donations back to our local services via our Give Together, Give Local campaign. By contributing to this fund, you’ll help us increase the amount we can award to vital Health & Wellbeing initiatives, reaching grassroots organisations supporting mental health, loneliness, food insecurity and more. Every gift, however small, stays local and helps build a healthier, fairer future for everyone in our communities.
Give Together, Give Local
Learn more about Give Together, Give Local and how you can get involved, or choose a fund to find out more about below.
