“Isolation makes it easy to forget that people are kind – coming to the Hub reinstates that faith in connection and community.”
For care leavers like Abbie, that sense of kindness, safety and connection can be life-changing. The Isle of Wight Youth Trust (IOWYT) has long been a vital source of mental health and wellbeing support for young people across the Island, which is home to over 25,000 children and young people under the age of 19. Parts of the Island face high levels of deprivation, and mental health challenges are particularly acute. A 2023 survey by IOWYT found that 30% of young people with a mental health condition had self-harmed, and one in three had considered suicide – figures significantly higher than the national average.
At just 18, Abbie found herself without a permanent home, carrying the weight of trauma, and unsure of where to turn next. She was rotating between friends’ sofas and avoiding her place in supported accommodation due to concerns about drug use among other residents.
But everything began to shift when she accessed mental health support at t IOWYT in April 2024. After 12 therapeutic sessions, Abbie had started to process her past experiences and feel strong enough to take control of her future. Working with the Youth Trust’s team, she built a roadmap towards independence – starting with the most urgent need: safe, stable housing.
IOWYT registered her with Island HomeFinder, a partnership between the Isle of Wight Council, Sovereign Network Group, Southern Housing and Vectis Housing Association and liaised with her housing provider to find realistic, secure options. Gradually, Abbie was able to reduce her reliance on sofa surfing and begin reconnecting with her longer-term goals.
Next, she turned her focus to finding work. With help from staff, she identified her strengths, developed a CV and practiced job hunting. Within just four weeks, she had three job offers and accepted two part-time roles. With support from the Department for Work and Pensions’ Flexible Support Fund – which IOWYT facilitated – Abbie received help with clothes and travel to ease the transition into work.
Now, she continues to use IOWYT’s drop-in service while preparing to move into her own accommodation. Her journey is a powerful example of how consistent, trauma-informed support can help care leavers reclaim their independence and self-belief.
To the team who supported her, Abbie says: “Thank you for believing in me, taking the time to hear and understand me when others didn’t. Thank you for all the differences you have made” she continues: “I have a plan, I am stable and now I have a place to call home – and a job – I’m free”.
Expanding support and reaching more young people
The Isle of Wight Youth Trust has supported local children and young people since 1984. Initially focused on counselling for ages 13 and over, the charity now works with children from age five upwards, offering early intervention, mental health support, and holistic services tailored to young people’s needs.
Abbie’s progress was made possible thanks to funding from HIWCF’s Care Leavers Fund. Since 2024, HIWCF has awarded £45K to IOWYT as part of this fund and to expand its employability and independence support for care-experienced young people.
The programme includes:
- Life skills and budgeting workshops
- Bursaries for essential items like interview clothing
- Six months of in-work training or volunteering support
- Wellbeing sessions and mental health support
- Opportunities to build social connection and community
Support is delivered flexibly, either at the IOWYT Hub in Newport, online, in schools or in community settings across the Island. Young people are referred by the Isle of Wight Council Care Leavers Team, IOWYT staff and partner organisations such as DWP and Sovereign Network Group.
This project forms part of a wider initiative funded through HIWCF’s Care Leavers Fund, made possible by a national partnership with LAMIT (Local Authority Mutual Investment Trust). This work is further strengthened by matched funding from Sovereign Network Group (SNG) – helping to change more lives, like Abbie’s.
“Thank you for believing in me, taking the time to hear and understand me when others didn’t. Thank you for all the differences you have made... I have a plan, I am stable and now I have a place to call home - and a job - I’m free.
The impact
Many young people involved in the Youth Hub Focus Group which is attended by care experienced young people shared how this support has shaped their confidence, mental wellbeing and outlook on life:
“It has improved my confidence in looking for work and speaking to potential employers. It has also helped me to tackle my anxiety in new situations and scenarios.”
“As someone who is new to the Hub, I am still getting to know the service and wonderful staff it is run by, but even in my few sessions, I feel much less stuck in my situation.”
“When it comes to the Hub, it has given me perspective on how to do things in my life day to day with the advice they have given me. For example, how to stay calm in stressful situations and with building my confidence. They also helped me to get a job!”
With the right support, care leavers can thrive. Through partnership, person-centred care, and funding that makes targeted programmes possible, HIWCF is helping young people build the confidence, skills and networks they need to flourish.
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