A new minibus is helping Islanders with mental health issues access services at a peaceful location on the outskirts of Newport.
The Isorropia Foundation, a wellbeing organisation, has a new base at the Medina Valley Centre in Dodnor Lane and needed to bring its members to the centre from Newport town centre.
£16,000 funding
A grant of £16,000 from the Isle of Wight Foundation, made up of the partners behind Island Roads, financed the purchase of the 15-seater accessible bus, which is already transporting members to the site.
Isorropia hopes the bus will also be used for day trips etc in the future and they are looking at hiring out the bus to other organisations when they are not using it.
Founders: It is a lifesaver
Charlie Bell and Vicki Haworth, joint CEOs and founders of Isorropia, explained what the minibus meant to them.
Vicki said,
“It is a lifesaver…members were saying they couldn’t get out to Medina Valley Centre as there are no convenient public transport links. However, having the bus means we can run a shuttle service, so people can take advantage of our growing range of wellbeing services.”
Charlie added,
“Here at Isorropia we try not to use diagnoses or labels. Instead, we look at every member as a unique individual and empower them to design a wellbeing programme to best suit their needs. We want to offer our heartfelt thanks for the support from the Isle of Wight Foundation.”
Rob Gillespie, chair of trustees at the Isle of Wight Foundation, said,
“Mental health is an area that is freeing itself of the taboos around talking about it.
“The Isle of Wight Foundation recognised the superb work the Isorropia Foundation were doing with hundreds of people on the Isle of Wight and we wanted to help.
“We’re pleased to see that the grant monies towards the minibus are enabling members to gain support at Isorropia’s new base at the Medina Valley Centre outside Newport.”
What they do
Isorropia Foundation is a wellbeing organisation designed to self-empower individuals to become the best version of themselves.
It provides face-to-face workshops, on-line engagement and on-going focused development to move members towards their goals and dreams. Its team includes 25 paid professionals, including wellbeing coaches, as well as ten volunteers.
Isle of Wight Foundation comprises Meridiam, Island Roads Services, Ringway Island Roads and Vinci Concessions.
News shared by Alan on behalf of Isle of Wight Foundation. Ed
