Islanders Encouraged To 'Banish The Blues' To Support Isle Of Wight Youth Trust

The Isle of Wight Youth Trust and Isle of Wight Radio are partnering to #BanishtheBlues to raise vital funds for Island youth mental health today (Thursday).

Launching it first major public fundraising campaign for many years, the Isle of Wight Youth Trust has partnered with Isle of Wight Radio to #BanishtheBlues for youth mental health.

Today, we are asking Islanders to wear bright colours and donate a pound (or what they can) to support the work of Trust.

Founded in 1984, the Youth Trust is the Island's largest independent charity dedicated to providing counselling and wellbeing support to children and young people aged 4-25.

Each year, the Trust receives hundreds of referrals for young Islanders needing their support. Demand is currently unprecedented, to date in January, they have received more than 100 referrals, averaging at 7 a day – a significant increase on 2022 - where average referrals were just 3 a day.

NHS research now shows 1 in 6 children under 16, and 1 in 4 young people aged 17-25 need support with their mental health. That’s between 5 and 8 children and young people in an average class of 30 and represents around 6,000 of those aged 4-25 on the Isle of Wight.

Isle of Wight Radio, Total Sense Media, Group Managing Director, Claire John, said:

“We are excited to be partnering with the Youth Trust to launch this campaign and raise awareness and vital funds to support the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people on the Island. Now, more than ever before, young Islanders need their support.

"The events of the past three years have had a significant impact on children and young people and shouldn’t be underestimated."

Jo Dare, Youth Trust CEO, said:

"It is essential that we can meet the growing demand we are seeing for our services and provide young people with the support they need, when it is needed.

"With half of mental health problems being established by the age of 14, and 75% by the aged of 24, it is essential that children and young people get the right support, at the right time, to prevent these problems enduring for a lifetime."

Jo continued:

“We are asking the Island community to come together to help raise vital funds for the Youth Trust. We know that many people are struggling financially right now, which is why we’re asking people to donate £1 - or what they can.

"If 1 in 6 Islanders donate just £1, we can fund 1,000 support calls or 325 counselling sessions. If everyone gives a little, we can achieve a lot.”

To take part, simply avoid wear something bright (and avoid blue) and donate a £1 to The Isle of Wight Youth Trust. Post a photo on social media don’t forget to tag @iowyouthtrust @iwradio and use the hashtags #BanishtheBlues #Iamthe1.

Full details of how to get involved can be found on the Youth Trust website: https://www.iowyouthtrust.co.uk/banishtheblues-2023/

Text IOW to 70450 to donate £1 or Text IOW followed by your donation amount to 70470 to give that amount.

Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message, and you’ll be opting into hearing more from the Youth Trust. If you would like to donate but don’t wish to hear more, text IOWNOINFO instead.