The Isle of Wight has been selected to receive a £100,000 grant to develop plans for a new Young Futures Hub, following campaigning by Isle of Wight West Labour MP, Richard Quigley, and a successful application by the Isle of Wight Council.
What the Young Futures Hub will deliver
The funding will support planning and co-creation activity for a new Young Futures Hub, designed to bring together preventative support and opportunities for young people on the Island.
Young Futures Hubs will focus on three key outcomes:
- Improving young people’s mental health and wellbeing
- Providing opportunities and support to help young people fulfil their potential
- Reducing young people’s vulnerability to being drawn into crime
A significant achievement for the Island
The Isle of Wight is one of only 26 local authorities to have been selected from 50 eligible authorities that were shortlisted and invited to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).
It is also only the second successful hub in the entire South East region.
Next steps and planning process
The Isle of Wight Council will now undertake detailed planning and co-creation work with young people and local partners, before submitting proposals between January and March 2027 for potential further funding to establish and strengthen the Hub.
This will ensure that it delivers meaningful support for young people across the Island.
MP’s campaign success
Richard Quigley MP welcomed the announcement, which follows his sustained campaigning both locally and in Parliament for greater support for young people on the Isle of Wight, alongside improved access to community-based mental health support.
Richard highlighted that the Isle of Wight’s selection as only the second Young Futures Hub in the entire South East demonstrates that the Government is listening to the concerns raised locally and responding to the unique challenges and barriers faced by young people living on the Island.
Commenting on the announcement, Richard Quigley MP said,
“This is great news and follows the work Children’s Services have been doing on the Island, as well as the constant nagging I do in Parliament to get more for the Isle of Wight.”
Co-creating services with young people
The grant will provide an opportunity for the Isle of Wight Council, young people and local organisations to work together to shape the future hub and ensure that its services reflect the needs and priorities of young people on the Island.
Richard pledged to do all he can to support the successful establishment of the hub and said he looks forward to seeing how the work progresses over the coming months.
News shared by the office of Richard Quigley MP. Ed
