Islanders with disabilities are to get a big helping hand thanks to the latest grants announced by Island Roads’ Isle of Wight Foundation.
From vehicles helping transport disabled people to projects improving buildings they use, more than £50,000 has been handed out to five groups by the foundation, made up of the companies behind Island Roads – Ringway Island Roads, Meridiam, Island Roads Services and Vinci Concessions.
£90,000 across nine organisations
The five groups helping those with disabilities are among nine Island good causes which have received almost £90,000 from the foundation in the 2025 grant round.
Eddie Fellows, chair of the foundation, said,
“We are delighted to assist these five wonderful organisations, who do so much to support people with disabilities here on our Island.
“From providing transport to improving facilities and access, we will be pleased to see these grants helping to improve the lives of Islanders with disabilities.”
Care In the Garden
A Wootton-based employer providing meaningful work opportunities for adults with additional needs and mental health issues. They have been granted £12,000 for an accessible vehicle to transport their clients to and from Care In the Garden.
John Goodenough, of Care In The Garden, said,
“I can’t emphasise enough how grateful we are to the IW Foundation for its continued support.
“This vehicle will ensure our clients can get to us safely and in comfort, which is so important to us.”
Cowes Sailability
This Cowes-based charity gives people with disabilities the chance to enjoy time on the water. The £7,250 grant will enable the hire of the specially adapted Wet Wheels Hamble vessel for sessions in 2026.
Trish Rooke, vice-commodore and fundraising officer, said,
“Our club can offer adults and children with disabilities the opportunity to take part in accessible sailing and boating activities, experience the joy of being on water and gain many health and well-being benefits.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Isle of Wight Foundation for this grant.”
Havenstreet Community Association
The community centre is an old building and requires work to make it more accessible for the elderly, young families and those with disabilities. The £5,860 grant will go towards creating a wheelchair accessible entrance at the front of the building and reversing the current side entrance/fire doors to allow them to open outwards.
Veronica Hattersley, from the association, said,
“This award from the IW Foundation will enable us to welcome more people from the village and beyond as the centre will be more accessible.”
The Phoenix Project
This charity helps adults with moderate to profound learning disabilities, physical disabilities and neurological conditions. The main room of its Haylands HQ in Ryde needed a new divider to allow versatility in the space. The £15.662 grant will provide a new wooden divider, plus new furniture and radiators.
Louise Smith, fundraising co-ordinator, said,
“The Phoenix Project have been lucky enough to benefit from several grants from the Isle of Wight Foundation over the years and they always make a real difference.
“We are very grateful for the foundation’s support once again.”
The Way Forward
Working with people with learning and physical disabilities, The Way Forward transports clients to activities, some of whom are uncomfortable travelling in larger minibuses. The £10,000 grant will help finance a new support vehicle for eight or nine people.
Tracey Hill, CEO, said,
“Thank you, Isle of Wight Foundation for supporting our charity again this year, we cannot thank you enough for your ongoing support.
“Our new vehicle will be used to support adults with learning disabilities and autism in the community and it will also be used for our busy programme of session activity.
“Isle of Wight Foundation continues to impress us all. I don’t think there is another organisation like it on the Isle of Wight.”
News shared by Alan on behalf of Isle of Wight Foundation. Ed
