Helping to improve outcomes for young people in our region

As part of Southern Water’s ongoing activities to support communities we have awarded five £10,000 grants to regional charities working to support improved outcomes for young people. Under Level 1 of our Community Grants Scheme, we invited applications from regional registered charity partners working to help improve outcomes for young people.  

Five partners were chosen – one from each of our operational regional areas (Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire, and IOW). The award for each partner will be a £10,000 donation alongside support through employee volunteering, expertise sharing and partnership opportunities over an 18 month-long partnership.  

 The charities that have been awarded the community grant are:   

A summary of those that were awarded the community grant and the work they do within their communities is listed below:  

East Sussex – Community Supporters: 

An environmentally focused charity based in Hastings that aims to improve nature whilst also improving residents lives and life opportunities. This is achieved through engagement activities, training, and enabling access for all. Nature-based activities are used to support and improve outcomes around mental or physical health, isolation, poverty, and at need groups. This includes a Women’s support group using the benefits of nature to improve their mental health and an Eco Hub to host social activity groups.  

Hampshire – No Limits: 

No Limits provides support to approximately 7,000 children and young people (under 26) in Southampton and Hampshire each year. The charity offers a universal, open access drop-in service at their Advice Centre and through weekly Health and Wellbeing drop-ins in schools/colleges. Their non-judgemental approach enables them to meet the needs of the most deprived, vulnerable and isolated young people who often don’t access mainstream services.    

Isle of Wight – Waterside Community Trust: 

The trust provides recreational and leisure facilities for the residents of Ryde and its surrounding area. The charity aims to be of benefit to all members of society whatever their age, infirmity, disablement, social or economic circumstances as well as the public at large in the interest of social welfare and the improvement of life for the local population.   
The charity plays an essential role in drowning prevention across the Island with the formation of Ryde Beach Lifeguards, a beach safety service operating in Ryde and Sandown during the summer months, as well as delivering essential drowning prevention initiatives including Safe Safe, Rookie Lifesaving, School Talks, Community CPR Training, professional lifesaving training and much more.  

Kent – Dover Smart Project: 

Dover Smart Project is a local charity that is transforming lives through art and creativity. The charity provides creative opportunities for vulnerable and disadvantaged people, mainly Young Carers, to take part in a wide range of activities and experiences. The project runs weekly support groups and community-based projects to help boost their confidence, enhance their well-being, raise their aspirations, and widen their outlook on the world.   

West Sussex – AudioActive: 

AudioActive is a regional charity that uses the power of music as an authentic engagement tool and a catalyst for change in young lives. Through mentoring and regular engagement, they help young people aged 11-25 to address the difficult personal and social issues affecting their lives, whilst helping them develop as musicians and artists. Their vision is for better futures through and for music, enabling young people and emerging artists of all backgrounds to fulfil their potential.   

 Southern Water’s Community Partnerships and Programme Manager, Alex Willumsen said:   

“Our on-going Community Grant programme recognises the importance of providing support for young people in our region and the ripple effect that may have for communities. Through new partnerships over the following 18 months, we hope to support and learn alongside our charity partners and support the incredible work they do with this age group.” 

For more information about how we can help anyone struggling this winter, visit our website.