Two Isle of Wight organisations will soon find out whether they have won at BBC Radio Solent’s Make a Difference Awards.
The awards include eight categories, with winners chosen by a judging panel. A special event in Southampton on Tuesday 9th September will celebrate those selected.
Sailability nominated
On the Isle of Wight, Cowes Sailability Club has supported people with disabilities to enjoy sailing.
Trish Rooke, Vice Commodore and fundraiser for the Cowes-based club, said,
“It takes people with a wide range of disabilities sailing and once they’re on the boat their disability disappears really.”
She says the 48 volunteers who keep the programme running have been “amazing”.
Faye, a volunteer who also lives with disability, nominated the club for the Active Award in BBC Radio Solent’s Make a Difference Awards. She said,
“Being out on the water I can just forget about my disabilities and just sail and be like a normal person.”
Readers can find out more about Cowes Sailability Club by visiting their website.
Storeroom 2010 also recognised
Also nominated from the Island is Storeroom 2010, an independent furniture re-use charity based in Cowes.
The project offers Island residents the opportunity to help their community and environment by donating furniture, household items and white goods. Items that might otherwise have been taken to landfill are reused, reducing waste and providing a low-cost service to people who cannot furnish their own homes.
Furniture and other donations are available to the general public, with discounted prices for those referred by statutory and voluntary agencies. These referrals often include people recovering from mental health challenges, alcohol or drug addiction, periods of chaos in their lives, or those otherwise disadvantaged.
Readers can find out more about Storeroom 2010 by visiting their website.
National initiative with wide reach
More than 10 million people have taken part in Make a Difference across BBC local radio stations since the initiative began.
The programme continues to recognise individuals and groups who make a positive impact in their communities.
You can see the full list of nominees on the BBC website.
