Despite being a popular holiday destination, the Isle of Wight has pockets of deprivation and a lack of amenities and services that results in hardship for many people who live there.

It was against this backdrop of social exclusion that GFS Platform set up the project in 2000 to work with young mothers aged between 14 and 25. The project works with upwards of 30 young women a week and their children.

It provides a unique and holistic service that provides a place for young mothers to share their problems, support each other, learn new skills and make decisions to overcome poverty, disadvantage and isolation.

Services include:

• An On-site Ofsted Registered Creche.
• Formal Education including IT, CLAIT and LearnDirect English and Maths.
• Informal Education including healthy eating on a budget, keep fit, digital photography, graphic design and producing the newsletter.
• Volunteering Opportunities including care workers, peer support and fundraising.
• Advice and Support on issues such as debt, homelessness, domestic violence, substance misuse, relationships, parenting and healthy lifestyles.
• Sexual Health Advice including condom distribution.
• Specialist Services include millenium volunteers.

Contact GFS Platform Sandown Bay

Tel: +44 (0) 1983 868 838
isleofwight@gfsplatform.co.uk

View our other community projects:

• Great Yarmouth
• Penge
• Skegness