By Isle of Wight Observer
The Minister for Sport, Tourism, Civil Society and Youth and the Isle of Wight Youth Trust (IWYT), have praised West Wight MP, Richard Quigley, for helping secure vital top‑up funding to protect Early Support Hubs at risk of closure across the country.
The recognition follows a letter, co-ordinated by Mr Quigley and signed by fellow MPs, representing areas with hubs funded under the Early Support Hubs programme. Many centres, often serving communities with high deprivation, were facing a funding gap, with existing government support ending in March 2026 and the Government’s new Youth Futures programme not due for full roll-out until 2027–2029. More than 75 per cent of hubs warned they would face redundancies, and over half feared closure.
Mr Quigley highlighted the success of the IWYT, which has supported more than 700 young people since May 2024, helping many into education or employment, preventing homelessness and providing essential mental health support. Similar results were reported nationwide.
In response, the Minister confirmed £7 million in top‑up funding for 24 hubs, extending services into 2026/27, ensuring thousands of young people can continue accessing early mental health and well-being support. The Government also reaffirmed its long‑term commitment to establishing 50 Young Futures Hubs by 2029, expanding NHS Mental Health support teams, strengthening neighbourhood health partnerships, and improving support for children in care.
Mr Quigley welcomed the announcement, saying the funding “offers crucial stability for youth hubs that have been delivering extraordinary results on modest budgets.”
Jo Dare, CEO of the IWYT, also welcomed the announcement. She said: “This will allow us to continue delivering our vital mental health, well-being, and practical support services for children and young people.
“We are deeply grateful to Richard Quigley for co-ordinating the joint letter, which not only highlighted our own funding situation, but also drew attention to the national picture. This has undoubtedly made a real difference, safeguarding our services and ensuring there was no disruption to the support local children and young people rely on.”
Mal Butler