WHO ARE WE?

SWAY is a registered charity since 2014 that actively reaches out to young people across the South Wight from Whitwell to Brook. Supported by Parish Councils and local churches SWAY is faith-based but not faith biased. We employ a full time Project Lead Youth Worker, full time Youth Worker and a part time Youth and Family Worker.

SWAY aims to give Hope and Focus to the youth and families of South Wight. We seek to do this through:-

Groups, special events, weekends, residentials, volunteering and the fostering of positive relationships and self esteem.
Support and mentoring young people and their families.

OUR VISION

Our aim is to give 'Hope and Focus' for the youth and families of South Wight. This encapsulates what we do and are as SWAY. We are passionate about getting young people together, giving them opportunities to grow, work, play and fulfil their potential.

We believe young peoples’ lives can be transformed regardless of their background or circumstances. Our desire is to meet young people where they are, accept them as they are, and to provide events and groups that will build up self-confidence, improve self-worth and empower them to discover their own potential.

Youth Groups & Activities

SWAY offers opportunities for young people in the South Wight area to join youth groups and activities on and off the island. Many activities are free or subsidised through grants and donations. To find out more visit our events page.

For young people looking to gain experience in leadership, we have a Young Leaders Programme.

Contact the office if you wish to find out more information.

YOUTH AND FAMILY WORK

The Youth and Family work provides support and guidance to families; offering practical help and emotional support to families experiencing short or long-term difficulties empowering them to address various challenges.

SWAY – A short guide to what we do and who we are

Vision: we aim to bring hope and focus for the young people and families of South Wight through activities, events and support. We work from a Christian ethos and experience of faith, but are happy to work with those of any faith or none.

The Team: We comprise a group of Trustees, a paid team of employees and a group of willing volunteers. Together, we do all we can to help and support those with whom we engage.

Groups: Rock Solid: Younger people of age 8 -11 years who meet on Mondays, 6:30pm-8pm during term time at Niton Methodist for fun activity and games.

Roots: Young people of age 12-18 years who meet on Thursdays, 7pm-8:30pm during term time, also at Niton Methodist for similar interactive games and fun.

Young Leaders’ Group: Young people of age 14-18 years who seek to exercise some leadership within the charity at events and groups. This is an opportunity to volunteer and learn about serving the community in different ways.

Zoom Cook Along: This is a winter-time group that meets online so that young people can learn new skills and cook a meal for their families. The ingredients are provided free and young ‘chefs’ help to lead the sessions.

River Project: This is a mentoring project that aims to help those in Year 6 who might struggle with transition to the High Schools. 4 groups of 4 meet every week in the 3 schools in the area, with staff to encourage self-confidence, communication, self-awareness and wellbeing. There are opportunities for the young people to experience activities and social events both on the Island and a trip to the mainland such as ice skating at Portsmouth. This has been of enormous benefit to those who have been part of this project.

Mentoring: With either young people 1-1 and/or with families that may benefit from support in different ways.

Collective Worship: This happens weekly in Brighstone Primary and seeks to build relationships with the school community and support them in their task of encouraging worship and wonder amongst the children there.

Camps and Residentials: We run camping, activity challenges with a BBQ weekend at Corf each year at the end of May and also a 6 day residential on the mainland in the summer in Wales or the Lake District.

Holiday and Events: Throughout the year we run different activities, such as cricket taster sessions, pickleball, ice-skating, night walks, swimming, disc golf, crazy golf, archery, kayaking, visits to Portsmouth Harbour Church and BBQs on the beach.

Community Outreach: A Hub is being built at Chale to provide the surrounding South Wight community with a welcoming meeting place. The Hub will have facilities such as a cafe, shop for basic groceries and top-up electricity tokens, and will be available for small groups and events to be held e.g. art and craft and card/ board games.