Mobile Youth Initiatives

Mobile Youth Initiatives was developed by various professional organisations on the Isle of Wight

• To enable Young People to understand and act on personal social and political issues which affect them and their communities
• MY-I has an approach that acknowledges and values the views of Young people
• MY-I brings a mobile youth centre to rural, isolated areas of the Island
• MY-I can act quickly to assist young people who require a meeting space or some support is always happy to respond to suggestions from groups of five or more young people aged 13 to 19 about new areas to work in
• MY-I aims to meet with young people in their area to discuss and look at development opportunities together

MY-I Aims to:

• Enable Young People to have an effective voice
• Assist Young People in living enjoyable, successful, healthy and safe lives
• Support Young People in developing personal and social relationships
• Promote a positive image of Young People
• Ensure effective services exist for the benefit of Young People
• MY-I provides a safe meeting space for young people living in rural areas
• We are happy if the MY-I bus is used as a place just to hang out although …
• We are able to offer study support and provide information education, opportunities, laptops, computers and IT.
• The bus has lighting, heating and hot drink making facilities and Arts and Sports equipment on board.
• Sessions are open to young people aged 13 to 19 years.
• So look out for use when we are next in your neighbourhood.

The areas currently covered are Brighstone, Chale Green and Winford.

Fathers First is aimed at young fathers or fathers-to-be aged 13 to 21 who need support and advice on becoming a young father and input regarding positive parenting skills.  There may be a variety of issues including anger, drug/alcohol abuse, youth offending, unemployment, relationship problems, be denied access to their baby/child or low confidence and self esteem.

Fathers First provides:

• A supportive environment
• A space to explore issues
• An opportunity to build confidence and self esteem
• Information and support on issues affecting individuals as and when they arise
• Activities that enable learning opportunities
• Positive parenting skills

There are two youth support workers who offer an outreach service and drop in sessions.

At present the project runs on a Thursday during term time offering a drop in session at the Isle of Wight College from 2pm-4pm every other Thursday, and outreach work.

Young fathers can be referred through another agency or access support themselves.

How you can contact us …

Postal Address: Fathers First, c/o Isle of Wight Youth & Community Service, 29 High Street, Newport, Isle of Wight.  PO30 1SS

Office Phone: 01983 823490 and ask for Fathers First

Email: mobileyouth@iow.gov.uk