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Funding Available To Provide Activities For Families And Young People

Grants of up to £23,000 are now available to help organisations deliver initiatives that support families, children and young people living on the Isle of Wight.

The Early Help Community Capacity Building Grant is available to local groups, clubs and enterprises through the Isle of Wight Council’s Strengthening Families Programme.

Grants vary from £3,000 to £20,000 in some cases.

The funding is intended to help providers organise activities, clubs or groups for families, parents/carers and/or young people up to the age of 19 (up to 25 with specified additional needs).

The grant application opened this week and organisations are encouraged to apply by June 27.

Lizzie Boynton, of Forever Wild at Heart, based in Ryde, is able to offer discounted 'Baby Wild' sessions to new and expectant parents experiencing financial difficulties, thanks to funding from the scheme.

The Forest School-inspired sessions focus on parent wellbeing, from bump to baby, using techniques like mindfulness and nature art.

Speaking about her grant funding, Lizzie said:

"This makes such a big difference to my service as it reduces any financial barriers that may be stopping people from accessing and benefiting from these well-being sessions.

"I would say to anyone thinking of applying for a grant to just go for it! The process is very straightforward and I found the Isle of Wight Council team to be very supportive."

Other previous grant recipients include Independent Arts, Wight Eagles FC, Natural Therapy CIC, Niton Pre-school Early Help Hub, Starling Songwriters and Rainbow Island.

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