Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation (HIWCF) manages funds on behalf of a wide range of donors, all of whom want to make a difference to the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged people across the area. Wightlink is one such organisation, and recently its charitable endowment fund has been used effectively across several vital campaigns – not least during the covid pandemic.
The Isle of Wight Youth Trust (IWYT) was one group to benefit from recent funding to help develop its much-needed mental health services for young people aged 16-25. Clinical admission rates on the Island for mental health disorders are more than double the average of those in the rest of England.
Jo Dare, IWYT CEO, said: “The events of the past two years have unquestionably damaged children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing. In 2021 over 100 young people a month were turning to the Youth Trust for support. Funding from HIWCF and its partners has enabled us to expand our counselling and wellbeing services to help meet this unprecedented demand.”
One young person supported by Youth Trust said: “My time with IWYT was incredibly valuable and helped me to not only address and overcome my anxieties, but also to grow as a person. I feel that it has helped me to develop into a much more confident person and I thank my counsellor for her amazing support over the last few months”.
Wightlink established its endowment fund with an initial donation of £15,000 in 2008 and through subsequent donations and match-funding opportunities the fund is now worth almost £45,000. The annual interest and growth accrued on the fund enables community grant making to be made each and every year, with over £1,800 supporting needs on the Island this year. HIWCF endowment funds ensure that charitable funding is available to meet the challenges and needs that arise in local communities, year after year, whatever they may be.
While this region is a beautiful and often prosperous area in which to live and work, both HIWCF and Wightlink are aware that there is in fact significant disadvantage – often hidden from view – and HIWCF works closely with donors to channel funds according to their charitable priorities. For Wightlink, 2022 marks a year for supporting inclusivity in sport and new grants will be announced shortly. Watch this space!
For more information on HIWCF funding streams or setting up a charitable fund, visit www.hiwcf.org.uk or contact Lucy Sweet, Fund Development Manager: lucy@hiwcf.com
