The hugely popular Independent Living Centre, run by local charity People Matter IW, is to close at the end of March due to a lack of funding.
The Centre, which is based on the Riverway Industrial Estate, has been supporting people of all ages who want to continue to live independently.
It does this by providing them with a detailed assessment of their needs and the opportunity to discuss, view, and try a range of quality equipment, aids, and adaptations for daily living.
This includes larger items of furniture, such as beds and chairs, to smaller, adapted handheld items such as crockery and cutlery.
The facility is set up with bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and lounge areas so people visiting the centre could view the items in realistic settings and test equipment on a try-before-you-buy basis.
Crucially, the centre has no commercial interests and has been able to offer impartial advice to people before they purchase goods elsewhere.
Since it opened in 2012, originally at Downside, the centre has supported more than 30,000 people - empowering and enabling many to continue to live independently at home for longer without the need for support from statutory services.
Terri Baker, Manager of People Matter IW said:
“This has been an extremely difficult decision to make and not one that we have made lightly.
"We are very proud of the work we have done here to make a difference to thousands of people’s lives and extremely grateful to those colleagues who have supported the delivery of this vital service.
“We know just how much of a loss this will be to the local community, but without the funding, we simply have no option but to close the centre at the end of March."
The Independent Living Centre will continue to be open to the public, by appointment only, until 4pm on Thursday March 30.
The charity will then continue to provide its other services from its base in Bernard Way, including its independent living telephone advice and support.
In light of the changes, from April 1, the centre will also be renamed ‘The Independent Support Centre.’
It is hoped, in time, that the charity will be able to repurpose the centre to continue to support its many clients across the Island.
Maritime Units Heading For Isle Of Wight Armed Forces Day
Funding Boost For Council Chairman's Chosen Charity
Medina Way Works In Place This Sunday
Islander Georgie To Star On BBC1's Great British Sewing Bee
Labour's West Wight Candidate Outlines Island Plan
Scam Warnings Issued For Isle Of Wight
Islanders Invited To Take Part In Charity Fire Walk For St Catherine’s
New Company To Bid For Digital Radio Licence On The Isle Of Wight
Police Respond To Anti-Social Behaviour Involving Electric Motorbikes In Puckpool
New Records Set Following ‘Extraordinary’ Walk The Wight
Appeal Launched Following Ryde Cashpoint Theft
Islanders Urged To Make Sure They're 'Emergency Ready'
Cast Your Vote For New Sea Defence Scheme To Win People's Choice Award
Operation Sceptre - A Number Of Surrender Bins Across Isle Of Wight
Man Jailed For Ryde Burglary And Knife Offences
Top Marks For Gurnard Primary Playground Project
Marathon Runners Raising Funds For Isle Of Wight Youth Trust As Part Of Mental Health Awareness Week
Body Of Man In 40s Discovered Following Brighstone Fire
Food And Fuel Support Extended For Island Families In Need
Hovertravel Releases More Than 60 Late Flights For July And August
