Big Society Fund Makes A Difference On The Isle of Wight

This in from Andrew Turner’s Office, in their own words. Ed

Riverside CentreAndrew Turner, the Island’s MP, has welcomed the news that grants from the Government’s Big Society Transition Fund have been awarded to two organisations on the Isle of Wight.

The funding, part of the £107 million Transition Fund, has been secured by Young Chamber (UK) Ltd and the Riverside Centre in Newport.

Transition Fund protects organisations
Three quarters of charitable organisations and social enterprises receive no public funding, but many of those that do are facing substantial reductions in income due to the difficult economic situation.

The Transition Fund is designed to protect those organisations most vulnerable to reductions in public spending by helping them prepare to take advantage of new opportunities as public sector contracts open up.

Delighted with grant awards
Mr Turner said, “I am very pleased that the Government is committed to supporting charities, voluntary groups and social enterprises across the Island as demonstrated by these awards. Young Chamber (UK) Ltd does excellent work providing opportunities for young people in education to work directly with local businesses to enhance their understanding of the world of work.

“The Government’s grant of £249,000 will provide much needed support to these talented young people across the UK. Young Chamber was started here on the Island in Ryde High School by our own Chamber of Commerce; it is now a successful national scheme so we can be very proud of it.”

Mr Turner, who moved his constituency office to the Riverside Centre in Newport earlier this year, continued, “I see the amazing range of good work done by the committed staff at the Riverside Centre every week and the difference it makes to the people they work with. This grant of £60,000 will help them to continue to offer a wide range of services to vulnerable adults. I know those who benefit from the Centre’s support will agree that this money will be put to good use.”