By Chris Cornford
Four charity projects which use computer technology to reduce social exclusion on the Island
have been boosted by funding from the Isle of Wight Foundation.
The Foundation, made up of the partners in Highways PFI company Island Roads, has
announced that Mountbatten Hospice, Isle of Wight Search and Rescue (Wight SAR), Aspire
Ryde and the 4Ps Training School, run by Vectis Radio, are the latest groups to receive
funding. They will share a total of nearly £30,000.
Since 2014, the foundation has awarded more than £543,000 to such good
causes and this year alone over £73,000 has been shared between ten local projects.
Mountbatten hospice will use its £6,700 to purchase 30 laptops for its Neighbours Remote
Support initiative while Aspire will use the £6,730 grant to provide computer equipment and
furniture for a new skills hub.
WightSAR has been donated £8,000 for new search and rescue equipment and training,
while Vectis Radio’s 4Ps Training School will use its £8,000 award to support work helping
young people to improve life chances by building their confidence and improve their
communication through radio work.
IW Foundation chairman, Phillip Horton, said: “Once again the foundation was truly impressed
with the great range of community projects which are tackling social exclusion in so many
innovative and effective ways.
“We are delighted to be working with so many inspirational local bodies to help make that
impact.”
Trevor Nicholas, Aspire chief executive, said: “This money is a real boost to our project to
create a relaxed and informal training hub based at our information point in Ryde but also
enabling folk to be supported from home, or anywhere else too.”
Ian Mac, of Vectis Radio, said: “We are delighted to receive these very much needed funds –
it will make such a difference to young people at this critical time.
“It means that we can put on sessions in 2021 for young people, many with learning
difficulties and a lack of confidence and communication skills, that have been impacted
during the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Mountbatten chief executive, Nigel Hartley, said: “The Mountbatten Neighbours project has
traditionally trained volunteers to provide support to vulnerable people within their own
homes who are isolated or lonely and have a chronic, life-limiting or end-of-life illnesses.
“Because of Covid-19, we have responded in new ways and have changed the way the
scheme operates by focussing more on virtual contact. The 30 devices we can now
purchase with the foundation grant will be vital to support us to continue to adapt the project
so we can carry on breaking down the barriers to social integration for vulnerable people
who are very much in need of support.”
Dean Terrett, chair of WightSAR, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to once again receive the
support of the Isle of Wight Foundation. The last months have been somewhat of a
challenge with Covid putting a stop to our usual fundraising activities so this is so important
to us.”
Recently, the Isle of Wight Foundation also announced funding of over £42,000 to be shared
between Care in the Garden, Ability Dogs 4 Young People, Bembridge Friendship Circle,
Chillerton and Gatcombe Community Association, the Newport-based Way Forward
Programme, and Whippingham Community Association. All in all, over £70,000 has been
distributed by the foundation this year.
Applications for the next round of IW Foundation grant will be sought from February 8, 2021.
Press Release 
Isle of Wight Observer