TWO Isle of Wight organisations working with some of society's most vulnerable women and girls have been awarded grants from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation (HIWCF).

The Break the Cycle Community Interest Company based in Freshwater has been awarded £6,000 and People Matter IW has received £8,620 cash from HIWCF to help with their work from the Tampon Tax Community Fund.

The Tampon Tax Community Fund helps organisations to work with women of all ages, focusing on preventative services for those at risk of crisis. Projects receiving funding will help women and girls get back into work, raise awareness of health issues and help those who may be isolated or lonely to create and develop social networks.

People Matter IW, is the Island's user led organisation aiming to support people in the local community with disabilities or support needs to have a say in changes that may affect service delivery.

Claire Collins, AIM Co-ordinator at People Matter IW said “Autistic women and girls face exclusion and discrimination right from the start of life and without the recognition and assessment for diagnosis, early intervention and support is missed, which can lead to many other problems, including school exclusions, bullying and mental health issues.

"By providing regular support groups and social activities for autistic women and girls on the Island, we aim to reduce isolation and provide opportunities to build social networks, allowing peers to spend time together, understand their condition and needs and develop a sense of belonging.”

Maggie Currie from 'Break the Cycle' said the grant was for its 'Mind the Gap' courses for people who have survived domestic abuse.

She said: "We are running two courses beginning in February at the Riverside Centre, one in the day time and one in the evening. The course is unique as it was created by the team at Break the Cycle CIC and it is structured over 12 modules. Each module is focused on the individual to rebuild self-esteem, self-confidence and move them forward in their lives on their own terms.

"The previous courses have had phenomenal successes by the graduates and include some going back to college, some gaining employment and at least one being able to have a purpose in their life and not commit suicide.

"We were absolutely delighted to receive this grant as it enables us to continue to help people at no cost to them at a time when they are most in need and vulnerable."