Support from community organisations, HSF

The Baby Box charity has been awarded a grant of £13,000 which will go towards topping up provisions such as nappies, wipes and baby food, as well as equipment such as stairgates and sanitary items.

Hospital bags will also be prepared and available for pregnant mums, which will include body wash, shampoo, breast pads, newborn nappies, clothes and other essentials.

It is anticipated that 200 different households will receive this support.

You can contact Baby Box on 07850 263477 or by email to babyboxiow@gmail.com

Daisy Chains have been awarded a grant of £13,209.15 which will contribute to the following:

• 50 shopping deliveries for 10 families with premature babies or children with long-term health issues – each family applying could receive a maximum of 5 essential item shops over the year
• 20 NICU bags to be held at both Portsmouth and Southampton hospitals for Island residents with babies there and will also fund essential baby items to re-stock a trolley located on the IOW NICU
• 40 £50 Marks and Spencer vouchers for their families having to travel to the NICU Southampton and Portsmouth hospitals so they can access food whilst there
• 35 Christmas Hampers for their families at an average value of £120

You can contact Daisy Chains on:

Telephone: 07801 424645  or 07922 769575 

Email: info@daisychainsiw.co.uk

100 Energy Essentials packs

Green Isle of Wight have received funding to provide 100 Energy Essentials packs.

These packs consist of items such as

• LED lightbulbs
• a heated throw
• insulation tape
• a radiator heat reflector kit

100 home visits

Green Isle of Wight have also received this funding to support a 100 home visits. These visits will offer services such as energy assessments and installation support to help make homes more energy-efficient and comfortable.

You can contact Green Isle of Wight

Telephone: 01983 668900

Email: info@greeniow.org.uk

IW Learning Zone is a local charity supporting families who home educate their children.  The group meet on a weekly basis at The Pavilion at Victoria Recreation Ground, Newport and will be supporting those in financial difficulties, offering fresh fruit and vegetable boxes, along with hygiene items, sanitary and cleaning products.   

To contact IW Learning Zone, contact iwlearningzone@outlook.com

Northwood Parish Council runs a weekly cool / warm space each Tuesday, for residents of Northwood, Cowes and Gurnard, from Northwood Parish Hall.  Offering hot food and drink, along with an opportunity to socialise and meet new friends.   From the end of September there will be cookery demonstrations.

To contact Northwood Parish Council call 07961 829159

Working with schools and voluntary organisations in the Ryde area, Ryde Town Council are facilitating cookery lessons for those experiencing financial difficulties, teaching them how to cook on a budget.  The session are delivered either as a 1-day intensive course, a 4-week block of half-days or a 6-week block of half-days and will be delivered by local chefs. Participants will then share the meal they have made, and will be provided with recipe cards, shopping lists and step-by-step guides.

To contact Ryde Town Council, or for a list of participating provisions please contact community@rydetowncouncil.gov.uk

The Footprint Trust has been granted £30,240, which includes an allocation of £1,440 to cover administration costs. The funding will support the delivery of the following initiatives:

• Four air fryer demonstration sessions, enabling residents to apply for an air fryer following attendance.
• 50 energy-efficient white goods to support households in reducing energy consumption.
• 70 energy top-up vouchers and pre-paid energy cards to assist with immediate energy needs.
• 50 energy-saving items, including hot water tank jackets, draught-proofing kits, radiator foil, airing frames, and small cooking appliances such as air fryers and microwaves.

The organisation employs a means-tested approach to ensure that support is targeted at those experiencing financial hardship. All residents who contact The Footprint Trust receive tailored advice and guidance, with a focus on delivering wrap-around support that promotes long-term financial independence.

You can contact The Footprint Trust on 01983 822282 or by email at info@footprint-trust.co.uk.

The You Trust, based in Newport, works with domestic violence victims.

They have successfully applied for £555.00 to provide cookery sessions to women (and their children) staying in their refuge.

Each recipient will receive the ingredients and recipe card for each recipe, so they are able to make the dishes again, as well as the equipment needed for when they move into their own homes.

You can contact the You Trust

Telephone: 07795 601532

Email: Tracey.Jackson@theyoutrust.org.uk

Ventnor Community Foodbank is an independent, non-referral foodbank that is accessible to all residents across the Isle of Wight and has been awarded £6,000 for essential food items and hygiene products.

In addition to providing immediate relief, residents accessing the foodbank are signposted to relevant services that can support them in achieving financial independence and long-term sustainability.

Ventnor Community Foodbank can be contacted by phone on 07862 247694 or by email to vcfbankiow@gmail.com

Wroxall Community Association have been awarded £2,500 for their community foodbank, serving residents in need in the Wroxall and surrounding areas.  The funding will be used to purchase provisions for the foodbank.

To contact Wroxall Foodbank

• call 07834979575
• email info@stenburyhall.org.uk

The YMCA based at Winchester House, Shanklin have applied for £10,914.75 to continue delivering their cookery and budgeting skills programme for young mums living on site.

The programme includes weekly sessions where residents collaboratively select a menu, receive a list of required ingredients, and are provided with a supermarket voucher to purchase items specifically for the session.

Participants are then guided through the meal preparation process and share the meal together, promoting both practical skills and social interaction.

Participants will also receive ongoing group and 1-1 support aimed at helping them develop the skills and confidence they need to build an independent life.

To contact the YMCA

• call 01489 722181
• email fundraising@ymca-fg.com