An autism and ADHD charity, Quay Arts and an Island Sea Scout group are among 5 organisations to benefit from the latest WightAID grants.
A total of £23,327.20 was awarded in the charity’s September funding round, with grants supporting everything from improved accessibility at a Newport arts centre to sailing opportunities for young people and Christmas gifts for care home residents.
WightAID supporter Wayne Matthews, of Yokogawa Marex, presented the funding to representatives of the 5 successful organisations.
The largest grant, £8,500, went to Quay Arts (The Steve Ross Foundation for the Arts), which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
The money will contribute towards replacing the Newport arts centre’s 30-year-old lift, which is no longer operational. The replacement will improve accessibility for visitors, including those using larger wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Quay Arts welcomes around 1 million visitors annually and provides cultural experiences, educational projects and activities for people of all ages and abilities.
The 1st Bembridge, St Helens and Seaview Sea Scout Group received £7,500 towards purchasing a second-hand Wayfarer dinghy.
The stable sailing boat will help the group introduce more young people to dinghy sailing and seamanship, enabling Scouts to develop practical skills and confidence on the water.
Autism and ADHD Inclusion Matters (AIM) was awarded £6,327.20 to support its Children and Young People Activity Support Groups.
The charity provides support for autistic people and those with ADHD, including individuals awaiting assessment or considering seeking a diagnosis. It also operates a free sensory and resource library.
The funding will help sustain AIM’s Teen Group for 12 to 17-year-olds, offering a welcoming environment where young people can socialise, enjoy gaming consoles and speak with peer support mentors.
It will also support the charity’s I AM Sessions, an innovative 6-week programme designed to help young people understand their own neurotype through a neuro-affirming approach.
Two further organisations each received £500.
Sandown Family Events secured funding towards its free Christmas Family Fun Day, taking place in Sandown on Saturday 12th December. The volunteer-led group organises inclusive community events aimed at bringing local people together.
Embracing Age received £500 towards its Christmas Gift Box Appeal, which aims to tackle loneliness and isolation among care home residents across the Island.
The organisation plans to distribute festive gift boxes to residents who might otherwise receive no Christmas presents. Each box will contain a handmade craft item, bed socks, a small puzzle, arts and crafts materials and toiletries.
Geoff Underwood, founder of WightAID, said:
“The breadth of groups these grants have helped demonstrates the real need there is for our support on the Isle of Wight.
“We recently celebrated our tenth anniversary and are approaching £1 million of grants to Island good causes.
“We hope that individuals and businesses will continue to support us, to help even more groups and charities across the Island.”
