From Disabled Sport To Tackling Invasive Plants — WightAID Scheme Making A Difference

Disabled sailors and swimmers, as well as a scheme to protect an Island stream from invasive Himalayan balsam, were among the latest good causes to be supported by WightAID.

The biggest winner in the July grant round was the Isle of Wight Prostate Cancer Support Group (IWPCSG), which received £5,000 towards testing and support to Island men and their families.

The group encourages all men aged 40-90 to be aware of prostate cancer, holds regular simple PSA blood test sessions across the Island using NHS trained phlebotomists and a consultant who views the results and contacts participants.

The IWPCS also encourages Island men to have tests again in the following years and supports a wellbeing package which includes one-to-one counselling, yoga, exercise programmes and help with continence pads.

The Disabled Sailors Association received £1,500 towards a day cruise for ten Island disabled people while Isle Access was granted £2,000 towards The Carol Greenham Accessible Swimming Club.

This club is for disabled people and their carers, and uses The Heights swimming pool in Sandown.

Bembridge Youth FC Futsal Team received £1,500 to pilot a team into the New Forest League and Natural Enterprise was given £2,000 towards the removal of the invasive Himalayan balsam, which had been found in Calbourne and Brighstone Stream.

Natural Enterprise said it needed to act swiftly as this seeds in early August.

Two other organisations received smaller grants.

Revive Newport/ The Living Room provides practical, financial and emotional support to both young and old. The Living Room, a community cafe in the heart of Newport.

The Living Room received £500 towards upgrading kitchen items and redecorating the toilet facilities.

June Morell, of Revive Newport, said:

“We are so grateful to WightAID for the donation, which will make such a difference to our very valued customers’ experience of The Living Room.”

Brighstone Belles also received £500 towards their Care Home Singing Project.

The grant will enable the singing group to assess the needs of care home residents and provide song sheets relevant to their needs, as well as providing large-print copies and small musical instruments to enhance their enjoyment of singing in a group.

This is beneficial to all but especially those with dementia, sight problems and hearing difficulties.

The latest charity cheque presentation was held at IFPL at Calbourne.

Jonathan Thornton and Nicola Johnston from PC Consultants, a long-time supporter of WightAID, presented the charity cheque of more than £13,000.

Geoff Underwood, chairman and founder of WightAID, said:

“These grants show the value of WightAID and for it to continue we need Island businesses and individuals to continue giving to the charity.”

To find out how to donate, click here.