Charity Challenge 2012

Click on the image for information on the lastest Charity Challenge

Background

The IW Young Carers and Carisbrooke Priory will get a big cash boost, and a new website from we3create, after being selected as the winners.

Hundreds of entries from some amazing charities, serving all sectors of Island society, flooded in to us here at Isle of Wight Radio and at the Isle of Wight County Press.

Now, Isle of Wight Radio and the County Press will be working together throughout next year, with other Islanders and the groups themselves, on a series of fun fund-raising challenges designed to boost the coffers of the two organisations.
The IW Young Carers is a support group for a selfless group of Islanders who look after loved ones, such as parents or siblings.

It enables them to meet others in a similar situation, get funding for a break from their caring, and offers one-to-one support and befriending.

Heidi Kurowska, manager of the YMCA Isle of Wight Young Carers said 'I am so delighted that the CP and IW Radio and everyone that nominated the YMCA Young Carers  have got behind us, and we are so excited about 2012. More and more young carers are being identified - this will help to identify more. So far we have identified 180, but believe there are 300-400 on the Island. Any increased funding we help us to respond to the current young carers known to us and the new ones.'

Here are just a short selection of the comments from some of the young carers themselves.

•     At first (before my first trip) I didn’t want to go but then I went and had a great time and now have lots of new good friends and we help each other through everything and it look forward to every trip (young carer, aged 14)

•     The Young Carers Project has really helped me this year , and I can’t thank them enough.  I can’t wait for next year! (young carer, aged 16)

•     I think the Young Carers Project is great, but due to being really shy I prefer one-to-one sessions than meeting with people I don’t know.  I do love horse riding though! (young carer, aged 17)

•    It’s good to meet people like me. (young carer, aged 13)

•     Very thankful of all support from YCP, and thankful for helping me and my brother in times of troubles. (young carer, aged 11)

Carisbrooke Priory is a former nunnery, now run as a Christian support centre, primarily for people with mental health issues.

It has major funding issues due to the cost of running an ageing Gothic building.

The Priory received a massive amount of nominations, many from current and former users, who value the services it provides.

The judges said they found it incredibly difficult to decide which two causes should gain the support of the Charity Challenge 2012.

Claire Willis, managing director of Isle of Wight Radio, said: "The number of nominations was really quite overwhelming and the stories behind the them made the judging process very difficult.

"The team here at Isle of Wight Radio is looking forward to joining forces with The County Press to raise the much-needed funds to allow the two charities to continue their vital work which is relied upon by many, many Island families."

Co-judge, County Press editor Alan Marriott added: "It goes to show how much good work is done by the voluntary sector and how much support is needed.

"I look forward to some really fun events bringing the CP and the radio together with the community to give these two great causes a big boost."

Leave a comment..