WightAID has announced details of the latest groups to receive funding through its grant-giving programme, which aims to support and improve the lives of people living on the Isle of Wight.
4 groups have received a share of more than £4500 this May, with grants awarded to Cowes Sailability Club, the Rob Hill Foundation, South Wight Area Youth Partnership (SWAY) and Swim the Wight.
The Cowes Sailability Club grant will help more people with physical disabilities, learning difficulties, and debilitating long-term conditions benefit from the experience of sailing and boating this summer with Cowes Sailability Club thanks to a £2,500 grant towards the cost of hiring charter boats.
Paul Wilks, Commodore of Cowes Sailability Club, said:
“Spending time outdoors in the fresh air, undertaking physical activity and engaging with others within the community all bring huge benefits and contribute towards improved health and a feeling of wellbeing in the people we support.
“We’re really grateful to WightAID for its help.”
WightAID is also helping the Rob Hill Foundation which delivers weekly workshops at Aspire Ryde to help people to beat addiction, and empower them to effectively deal with anxiety, stress, and depression. A £500 grant will contribute towards the weekly sessions for people with alcohol, drug, and other addictions.
A grant of £1,052 has been awarded to SWAY to contribute towards the cost of hiring minibuses for the youth group’s residential trip to the Lake District. The charity helps young people from South Wight by providing activities to encourage personal growth as well as developing healthy relationships. The group also serves the families of the young members by providing support when needed and help when requested.
The final grant awarded in May went to Swim the Wight, an inclusive outdoor swimming group that promotes and enables outdoor swimming for improved health and wellbeing.
The group offers support to anyone who wishes to sea swim safely and in particular those with physical or learning disabilities, long term health conditions and those with mental health issues. The group received £500 toward the cost of equipment for cold water swimming.
Geoff Underwood, founder of WightAID, said:
“Charities on the Island play such an important role in our community, whether by providing practical help, delivering activities to improve wellbeing or broaden horizons or by reducing social isolation by connecting.
“We are proud to be able to support these groups and remain continually grateful to the businesses and individuals who so generously support WightAID so we can provide groups with grants.”
WightAID is supported by corporate partners from the local business community and also receives donations from individuals keen to help others in need. For more information and details on how to donate, visit www.wightaid.org.
