Grants of up to £3,000 are now available to help organisations deliver initiatives that support families, children and young people living on the Isle of Wight.
The Early Help Community Capacity Building Grant is available to local groups, clubs and enterprises through the Isle of Wight Council’s Supporting Families Programme.
The funding is intended to help providers organise activities, clubs or groups for families, parents/carers and/or young people up to the age of 19 (up to 25 with specified additional needs).
Don’t miss the deadline
Grants could be used to set up and run schemes such as youth activities/opportunities such as detached/outreach youth work, family-based groups, mental health and welcoming sessions/hubs, peer support groups, outreach support and community-led groups and activities.
The grant application is open now and closes on 29th June.
Lunch and learn sessions
There are various lunch and learn sessions throughout the month, both face-to-face and online to support organisations with any queries. The team would particularly like to hear from people who have an idea or vision for a group to support them to get it up and running.
All providers receive free training and ongoing support to help them to become sustainable and the council has also received some additional funding this year from the Integrated Care Board to deliver activities/provision that address concerns which occur during pregnancy or in the first year following the birth of a child.
“I received support along the way and this really helped”
One recipient of the grant last year was Relax IOW who support parents and babies with their social, emotional and mental health and promote positive wellbeing.
Hannah, from Relax IOW, said,
“As a new provider I was a little anxious applying for the grant, but I received support along the way and this really helped. The families I support are referred from health visitors and Family Centres and it has been amazing working together.
“Friendships have been formed and parents are incorporating the baby massage into their baby’s sleep routine — improving outcomes for everyone.”
Brave Island
Megan Stisted, from Brave Island, has also received grant funding. Brave Island was set up by Ventnor Exchange to provide creative opportunities for 14-to-25-year-olds living on the Isle of Wight.
With more than 350 users, the opportunities on offer range from jobs and commissions, to mentoring or experiences. Everything is free to take part; young people apply to whichever opportunities interest them via the Website.
Some of the feedback received include,
“I really enjoyed my time with Brave Island and felt like I got a lot out of the experience.”
and:
“It was a fantastic experience and I feel so lucky to have been able to take part.”
More information on the Early Help Community Capacity Building Grant is available on the council’s website.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
