This Saturday, 27th May 2023, a brave team of 11 will be abseiling the 100 meters down the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth to help raise vital funds for the Isle of Wight Youth Trust.
The team includes five members of the Youth Trust Taskforce – a group of young people dedicated to ensuring children and young people on the Island have access to the services and support they want and need – the youngest of whom is just 14.
Joining these young people for the abseil are four members of Youth Trust staff, one of the charities Trustees and one of the charities supporters.
Preston: I’m sure there will be racing hearts and sweaty palms
Sophia Preston, Youth Trust Service Team Lead, who will also be partaking in the exhilarating event, said,
“The courage and determination of those participating in the abseil mirror the qualities that children and young people require when facing mental health challenges.
“There is uncertainty and apprehension when we step out of our comfort zone, and I’m sure on the day there will be racing hearts and sweaty palms. However, these initial feelings will soon give way to an incredible sense of achievement and fulfilment.
“The abseilers’ remarkable feat exemplifies the transformative power of confronting fears and embarking on an incredible journey.”
Supporting work of Youth Trust
Funds raised through the Spinnaker Tower abseil will directly benefit the Isle of Wight Youth Trust’s work, including the provision of 1 to 1 counselling services and wellbeing workshops that aim to improve the mental health and well-being of young Islanders aged 5-25.
The Youth Trust has been a lifeline for many over the past 40 years, offering a safe and supportive environment for children, young people and their families facing mental health challenges. Demand for their services is higher than ever, and they need to raise vital funds to ensure that they are able meet this demand.
Dare: Incredibly grateful for their dedication and determination
Youth Trust CEO Jo Dare comments,
“The Spinnaker Tower abseil not only presents an incredible opportunity for these individuals to challenge themselves, but it also serves as a powerful symbol of overcoming obstacles.
“We are incredibly grateful for their dedication and determination to raise funds for the Isle of Wight Youth Trust, enabling us to continue our vital work in supporting young people’s mental health.”
Show your support
Members of the public are encouraged to show their support for the team of abseilers by making a donation to the Isle of Wight Youth Trust. Every contribution will make a significant difference in the lives of young people, providing them with the necessary support to navigate their mental health challenges.
A special thank you goes to Wightlink for generously covering the travel costs for the abseilers to Portsmouth.
Find out more
For more information about the Spinnaker Tower abseil event, to make a donation, or to learn more about the Isle of Wight Youth Trust’s mission, please visit the Website or contact Michelle Moorman, Fundraising and Communications Manager, at 01983 529 569 or [email protected].
News shared by Michelle on behalf of IW Youth Trust. Ed
