The Isle of Wight Youth Trust, the largest independent charity dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people on the Isle of Wight, are this week taking part in the BigGive’s Kind2Mind Fundraising Appeal.
Match funded donations
This fundraising campaign will see every donation received, up to a total of £5,000 matched, doubling the impact of each £1 given.
With this ambitious campaign, the Youth Trust aims to raise vital funds to enhance their much-needed services, ensuring that no young person on the island feels alone or unsupported in their mental health journey.
An urgent concern
Mental health and wellbeing have become an urgent concern for children and young people across the country, and the Isle of Wight is no exception.
It is estimated that 1 in 6 children under 16, and 1 in 4 young people aged 17-25, have mental health support needs.
Highest national number of youth mental health-related hospital admissions
The Island has the highest number of mental health-related hospital admissions for those aged under 18 nationally, more than three times the national average, and higher than the national average hospital admissions for self-harm.
In line with these shocking statistics the Youth Trust is seeing unprecedented demand for its services.
Rising referrals
To date in 2023 the Youth Trust has received referrals from more than 600 individual children and young people on the Island. This represents more than 70 per cent of the total individual referrals the Trust received across the whole of 2022.
The pandemic’s disruptive impact has left a lasting mark on the emotional well-being of many young Islanders, highlighting the pressing need for the mental health and wellbeing services.
Providing vital support, counselling, and guidance
In response, the Isle of Wight Youth Trust has been at the forefront of providing vital support, counselling, and guidance to young people, empowering them to overcome their challenges and reach their full potential.
One recent service user commented:
“I instantly felt safe and listened to … I no longer have suicidal thoughts my anger has dissipated massively and I have a want to be alive.”
The Big Give Kind2Mind Appeal
The Big Give Kind2Mind fundraising appeal represents a vital opportunity for the Youth Trust to raise much needed funds to enhance the support it can provide.
Over the next week the Youth Trust aims to raise £5,000, which will be matched by the BigGive giving them £10,000 of vital funding.
How it will be used
These funds will enable the Trust to provide each school on the Island with a Wellbeing Toolkit.
The toolkit includes all the resources needed for the school to run a six-session wellbeing programme with their students, equipping them with the skills to manage their own wellbeing as well as becoming student wellbeing champions within their schools.
Armstrong: Every child and young person deserves the chance to lead a healthy, fulfilling life
Cath Armstrong, Youth and Community Development Co-ordinator at the Isle of Wight Youth Trust, said,
“We believe that every child and young person deserves the chance to lead a healthy, fulfilling life, regardless of their background or circumstances.
“By investing in their mental health and well-being, we are investing in a brighter future for our community. Together, we can create a supportive environment where young people can flourish and thrive.”
A tangible impact
Every donation, no matter the size, will make a tangible impact on the lives of Island children and young people in need.
To kickstart the fundraising appeal, the Isle of Wight Youth Trust has already secured support from a number of Island schools, individuals and organisations.
Their support demonstrates the collective commitment to addressing the mental health crisis faced by Island children and young people, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.
Just a few days left
The Big Give Kind2Mind fundraising appeal runs until midday on Monday 22nd May, and individuals and organizations are invited to support Youth Trust in their vital mission.
Together, we can empower young people to overcome adversity, build resilience, and unlock their true potential.
Show your support
To learn more about the Youth Trusts BigGive Kind2Mind fundraising appeal visit the Website.
News shared by Michelle on behalf of Isle of Wight Youth Trust. Ed
