Supporting young people on the Isle of Wight

The Move On and Thrive Fund

Launched in April 2023, The Move On and Thrive Fund (MOAT) is a £240K joint investment by The Blagrave Trust and Sovereign Network Group (SNG). This three-year, youth-led programme empowers young people on the Isle of Wight to voice their concerns and drive social change.  

The fund supports local community organisations and groups with grants and resources to tackle key issues affecting local youth. Participants receive training, resources, and support to make informed decisions and shape the programme’s strategic direction.

 

2024 grant round highlights

Round 2 overview

In 2024, 11 young panellists (aged 16-25), selected projects focusing on improving mental and physical health, life skills, and overall quality of life for local youth. Out of 16 applications, 5 were awarded funding: 

  • Ventnor Exchange
  • Breakout Youth
  • Bodster CIC
  • Vectis Radio
  • People Matter IW

Find out more about the funded projects below.

  • Panel contributions

    • 11 young panellists contributed 240 hours over 12 sessions
    • 10 reported improved confidence and self-esteem
    • 9 felt more connected to their community

  • In their words

    “I feel proud to have made a difference in my community.”

    “It was challenging to shortlist projects, but I loved being part of the decision-making process.”

A man talking to a group of people.

 

Previous round: 2023

In 2023, the programme focused on youth homelessness, mental health, and financial awareness. The first grant funded three organisations: Aspire Ryde, Youth Trust and Isorropia.

Find out more about each project below.

  • Case study: Aspire Ryde

    Funding: £20k worth of funding received to employ a ‘Young Persons Specialist Mental Health Money Advice and Information Worker’, helping young people manage and stabilise their finances.

    Impact: Includes one participant, Sarah (18) who overcame mounting debt, stabilised her finances, and gained the confidence to pursue volunteering opportunities.

    Further support: Email the Aspire Ryde team or call them on 01983 823898 using the extension 2825.

  • Other successes:

    Youth Trust: Supported 18 young people at risk of homelessness, providing safe housing solutions.

    If you feel you could benefit from this support, please contact the team on 01983 529 569. 

    Isorropia: Helped participants build resilience, confidence, and life skills through workshops and coaching.

    To receive this support, please contact the team at hello@isorropia.uk or call 01983 217791. 

  • Year 1 results

    To date, the MOAT programme has:

    • Generated £6.9M in social value (HACT Value Insight tool)
    • Supported 495 young people
    • Improved the mental health in 202 participants
    • Reduced loneliness in 149 participants. 
    • Reduced anxiety and unhappiness in 228 participants.  
    • Increased confidence in 153 participants.  
    • Helped 3 participants move from homelessness to temporary accommodation
    • Helped 6 participants move from temporary to secure accommodation

    Enabled 30 participants to feel free from debt burdens

Two people working at a desk

 

Youth Empowerment Bursary Fund 

The 2024 Empowerment Fund provides financial assistance to young people aged 16-25 on the Isle of Wight, covering five keys areas: transport, health and wellbeing, personal development, digital inclusion, and housing. 

Find out more about how to access this fund. 

 

The Empowerment Fund in action:

A 17-year-old, referred by a Youth Offending Officer, used the bursary for travel costs to attend a life-changing catering course in Horsham. This opportunity allowed him to rebuild his future after facing adverse childhood experiences. 

 

Contact 

If you have any questions regarding the Move On and Thrive Youth Empowerment Fund, please contact SNG’s Community Investment and Partnership Lead, Toby.eaglen@sng.org.uk.