A £60,000 grant from Centrica’s Energy For Tomorrow fund will support new community-led projects across the Isle of Wight focused on youth wellbeing, sustainable food, and warmer homes.
The funding, awarded to the Isle of Wight Biosphere and Together 4 CIC, aims to inspire local action on climate change, environmental protection, and key social priorities. Partner groups involved in the programme include the Isle of Wight Youth Trust, Green Isle of Wight, and Grow Gurnard.
Three main focus areas have been identified: improving opportunities and wellbeing for young people, strengthening local food systems, and helping to make Island homes more energy-efficient.
The initiative will begin with pilot projects across 7 parishes, encouraging local groups to create place-based climate and wellbeing solutions. It also includes support for training local ‘energy champions’, events for young people, and retrofit improvements to homes that are vulnerable to heat loss.
One of the infrastructure projects funded will deliver a solar-powered borehole to supply water to the Grow Gurnard community farm.
A project coordinator is currently being appointed to lead the delivery of these plans, which also benefit from additional support and volunteer time provided by Centrica.
Organisers say the funding shows the strength of the Isle of Wight’s UNESCO Biosphere designation as a catalyst for action, investment and community collaboration.
There are several ways residents can get involved, including:
- Supporting and shaping climate action at parish level
- Connecting with and replicating existing local initiatives
- Helping to involve more young people in community decision making
- Volunteering as local leaders in project delivery
The pilot phase is expected to spark wider community involvement, with parishes taking ownership of their own local work and inspiring broader action across the Island.
