The Big Give is a match funding organisation that holds various campaigns through the year. The Christmas challenge is the UK’s biggest collaborative campaign, helping a wide range of charitable organisations.
The Big Give uses a Pledge Model, which gives the charities involved a chance for all their donations to be doubled, using match funding provided by the charity’s pledgers and Big Give Champions.
The Isle of Wight Youth Trust participated in the Big Give campaign for the second year after it being a huge success in 2023.
£10,110 total raised
This year, the Isle of Wight Youth Trust made a grand total of £10,110 with huge thanks to Ryde Round Table who hosted a masquerade ball donating an incredible £5,000 through the portal to be doubled.
Alongside others who kindly donated, this opened the opportunity for £2,500 in pledges and £2,500 in match funding from Hampshire cricket club, resulting in an incredible £10,000 for the Youth Trust.
O’Donnell: An honour to support to such an important local charity
James O’Donnell, (Ryde and District Round Table Vice-President) said,
“It is an honour for Ryde and District Round Table to continue our support to such an important local charity.
“We’re fully aware of the great services that Isle of Wight Youth Trust provide and what an invaluable resource they are to young Islanders, and we’re grateful to the Big Give campaign for allowing us to double the donation.”
Rise in those with mental health conditions
Nearly 78% of autistic children and young people have at least one mental health condition; nearly half have two or more. With waiting times for mental health support increasing, what is challenging can become more difficult.
The Youth Trust helps address some causes of poor mental health for autistic children & young people (aged 5-25) eg:
- Struggling at school – data shows autistic children & young people are twice as likely to be excluded compared to pupils with no special educational needs.
- Struggling to gain and retain employment – only 30% of working age autistic Britons are in employment.
- Being 4x more likely to be lonely & needing support to socialise.
- Facing difficulties in maintaining housing tenancies with higher risk of homelessness without appropriate support.
With the money raised, The Youth Trust can offer;
- support groups delivered to children and young people, and to parents/carers.
- Sensory resources for neurodivergent clients who attend sessions and groups at the Isle of Wight Youth Trust.
- ASC (Autism Spectrum Condition) training for all clinical staff from the Anna Freud Centre.
Positive feedback
Some feedback from autistic young people and their families who have been supported by the Isle of Wight Youth Trust include:
“Y shared she feels safe with you in this room. She has only felt safe with me before. This is a big step for her. Thank you for everything you have done for her”
And ..
“I have felt treated like a person and not a label for the first time, thank you for that. I knew I could trust you after the first session when you noticed my Marvel T-shirt and were interested in what I like rather than my flaws.”
Whitewood: We want to say a huge thank you to all those who pledged and donated
Kathy Whitewood, Head of Counselling and Wellbeing Services, stated,
“We are thrilled with the successful outcome of this year’s BIG GIVE campaign.
“We want to say a huge thank you to all those who pledged and donated, especially to Ryde Round Table who enabled us to reach our target.
“These extra funds will enable us to help support more autistic young Islanders with their mental health and wellbeing when referred into our service.”
A huge thank you to all the incredible businesses, companies and people that pledged and donated to the Isle of Wight Youth Trust – it is only because of the pledgers who signed up during the pledge window in August, that the Youth Trust was able to qualify for the Big Give Campaign.
A members of WightFibre staff said,
“You provide an amazing service to those who need it.
“I went to youth trust myself, so I know what good work you do.”
Show your support
As a small Island charity, the Youth Trust relies on the support of local businesses and Islanders to be able to continue their valuable work.
For further information about the Isle of Wight Youth Trust and how to donate, please visit the website.
