Move On and Thrive Fund

Ventnor exchange is a pioneering arts organisation for the Isle of Wight. Their Brave Island programme's purpose is to tackle isolation and loneliness in young people living on the island. The funding will provide a year-round programme of 'Away Days' to allow small groups of young people the opportunity to make new friends, gain confidence, develop new skills and visit new places. These free monthly trips will provide everyone with the access to enjoy and benefit from these positive experiences.

Please visit the Brave Island website for more details.

The specially designed 10-week activity programme will focus on LGBTQ young people between the ages of 16-25 years old. It will focus on improving their employability, life skills, self-esteem and confidence, communication and on identifying employment opportunities. In addition, it will offer further 1:1 support sessions to focus on their aspirations and goal setting.

For more information, please email zoe.grant@breakoutyouth.org.uk.

Bodster CIC (Community Interest Company) is an equine therapy centre on the Isle of Wight. Their project will support young people learn about themselves in a non-pressurised environment, finding new directions in their lives through interaction with the ponies at the centre. The project will create positive change for young people, enabling them to have the time and space to develop trust (both with the staff and ponies) and to set small targets to work on - with the ponies and in their everyday life. They will discover what's holding them back and how to develop strategies to move forward.

For more details, please email joandgi@googlemail.com or call 07887876138.

The 4Ps Vectis Radio Training School is a community-focused organisation dedicated to providing comprehensive training in radio broadcasting and media skills. The project will provide 30 young people with practical, hands-on training to develop essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and confidence-building. The participants will also have a mentor to support them throughout the programme.

Please visit the Vectis Radio website for more details.

People Matter IW aim to provide bespoke individualised training courses for young neuro-diverse people or those with learning disabilities. The aim is to increase the autonomy of young people by equipping them with the knowledge, tools and support as they grow older and become more independent. The course will cover emotional well-being, social media (cyber safety and digital resilience), respectful relationships, sexual health, hate mate crime, safeguarding and the dangers of vaping, smoking and alcohol.

Please email admin@peoplematteriw.org for more details.

Aspire Ryde has appointed a Young Person Support Worker dedicated to helping young people with mental health, budgeting, and housing needs. This support is offered one-to-one across the island, providing practical guidance and assistance where it’s needed most.

To make a referral, please contact Aspire Ryde on 01983 716 020 or email reception@aspireryde.org.uk.

The Isorropia Foundation is running Project 360, an exciting new group initiative for young people aged 16 to 25. The project is designed to improve mental wellbeing by focusing on self-empowerment and helping participants develop practical tools and skills to manage life’s challenges.

If you’d like to find out more, contact the team at hello@isorropia.uk or call 01983 217791.

The Youth Trust has appointed a Housing Support Worker to help young people aged 16 to 25 who are facing housing challenges. They will provide one-to-one support to help young people manage housing issues, maintain their tenancies, and stay connected with their community. In addition, there will be a weekly drop-in session where anyone needing housing advice can meet the Housing Support Worker and talk through their concerns.

If you think this service could help you, please contact the team on 01983 529 569.

A young person was referred for Housing Support due to difficulties at home.

They had recently completed counselling and expressed a strong desire to move into safe, stable accommodation and develop independent living skills.

Over 14 sessions, they took part in targeted support covering budgeting, understanding bills, and applying for Universal Credit. They also attended a resilience-building group and received one‑to‑one support with CV development and career planning. A referral to Supported Accommodation was made, and within three months, they successfully moved in.

By the time their sessions came to an end, they felt confident managing their finances and working towards their savings goals. They plan to self‑refer for Tenancy Sustainment Support once they secure social housing.

Reflecting on the support they received, they shared: “My Housing Support Worker has helped me learn to think for myself and manage my money and tenancy.”

A young person who began a new office-based role in July has shown great resilience and determination. Having overcome his own mental health challenges and supported family members through theirs, he was eager to begin building a career as a youth worker. His new job marked an important step toward achieving this goal. 

On a low income, he found it difficult to afford suitable clothing for his workplace. Through the Empowerment Fund, he was able to purchase smart, professional clothes to help him feel confident and presentable at work.

He shared: “Because of this grant, it has helped me maintain my job as it has allowed me to look smart, presentable, and inviting to people walking in. Looking smart has lifted my confidence, self-esteem, and morale. It has made me more proactive, as it mentally says to me that it’s time for work - whether I’m in the office, at an event, or working from home.”