FOUR charity projects that use computer technology to reduce social exclusion on the Island have been boosted by funding from the Isle of Wight Foundation. They will share a total of nearly £30,000. Each year, the foundation supports projects working to tackle social exclusion on the Island. Since 2014, it has awarded more than £543,000 to such good causes. In the last 12 months alone, more than £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.
Recent grant recipients of the IW Foundation, and Chillerton Village Hall (bottom left) which funding will be used to improve. THE Isle of Wight Foundation has announced the latest recipients of its grant awards for 2020. The Foundation, made up of the partners in Highways PFI company Island Roads, has announced Chillerton and Gatcombe Community Association, the Newport-based Way Forward Programme, and Whippingham Community Association will share over £12,600 between them. The money will be used by each organisation to make their buildings more accessible. Each year, the foundation comprising Ringway Island Roads, Meridiam, VINCI UK Foundation and VINCI Concessions supports projects working to tackle social exclusion on the Island.
Nigel Phillips, treasurer of Chillerton and Gatcombe Community Association, said: We are delighted. The village hall is a very important part of the community but in order to keep it accessible for all we do need to keep it in a good condition. This donation will help up to repoint the east and west walls of the hall and also install an outside tap that will help us maintain our grounds. The Way Forward Programme, which provides a day centre, community support, training, and employment for Islanders with disabilities and autism, will spend £4,125 on a new accessible kitchen. Tracey Hill, Programme Lead for The Way Forward Programme, said: We are absolutely thrilled that, once again, the Isle of Wight Foundation has provided us with much-needed funding.