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Youth Mental Health on the Isle of Wight: What Our Latest Survey Shows
In 2025 the Isle of Wight Youth Trust conducted a Youth Mental Health Survey; results found four in ten young people had considered taking their own life and three in ten has been diagnosed with a mental health condition – both up compared to the corresponding 2023 survey.
The latest data also revealed 31 percent of respondents have self-harmed (without intending suicide), 71 percent said they often felt unhappy, down or tearful and 66 percent said they felt totally lacking in energy and enthusiasm.
Nearly half (46 percent) felt terribly alone or isolated, 71 percent reported problems sleeping and 58 percent said they had been worrying a lot.
Bullying was another worrying factor identified by the survey. 57 percent said they had been bullied and 65 percent said they had witnessed bullying. 41 percent said they had received threatening, intimidating of nasty messages via social media, email or text and 44 percent said they had been bullied on social media.
Our data was collected through our bi-annual Mental Health Census conducted in 2025. 1,760 people between the ages of eight and 24 responded to the survey and around 500 more individuals took part than in 2023. The percentages given in the results reflect the numbers who responded to that particular question.
The IW Youth Trust carries out the survey to help us understand the pressures young people are facing which in turn us plan to ensure the services we offer meet the greatest need. To that end, the findings from the census have helped us draft our new five-year strategy which will be published in the coming months.
The team at the IW Youth Trust would like to reassure the community that while young people’s mental health is a growing concern on the Island, support is readily available. We operate a welcoming walk-in hub in the heart of Newport, where young people can drop in, make initial contact in a safe, supportive environment and receive immediate and appropriate information, advice and guidance. Support is also available by phone on 01983 529 569 or by email: info@iowyouthtrust.co.uk
Jo Dare, IW Youth Trust chief executive said: “The latest census once again makes it abundantly clear that a great many young people on the Island are facing mental health issues. There are some really stark findings here that all of us on the Island need to be aware of.
“The first thing to say is that no young person need face these issues alone. We are there for you so please reach out if you need support.”
Jo said it was important too that the trust was relentlessly focussed on providing the very best services where, when and how they were needed.
“That’s the purpose of the new strategy. Greatly Informed by feedback we have received loud and clear from this survey; it will be a document that sets out our priorities and goals for the next five years.
“In the current, challenging climate, we recognise the importance of adapting and carefully allocating our limited resources so we can best support the mental health needs of young people on the Island.”
Live Music Is Alive on the Isle of Wight: Rob da Bank Music Club Announces Its Second Session To Follow BBC 6 Music Takeover
Fresh off the excitement of the BBC 6 Music Independent Venue Week Takeover, which broadcasts live from Strings Bar & Venue on Monday with Rob da Bank joining Steve Lamacq and Huw Stephens to champion grassroots music, collaboration, and creative access, the Rob da Bank Music Club returns the very next day for its second session — and the timing couldn’t be better.
“I love seeing the Island buzzing with music, and having 6 Music at Strings is such a vibe for everyone” Says Rob da Bank “The best part is bringing that energy straight into the Music Club the next day”.
With national attention highlighting the importance of independent venues, the Music Club is bringing that energy straight back into the hands of young people. Taking place at Strings, itself part of this year’s Independent Venue Week activity, the club is powered by a collaborative effort between Rob da Bank, Strings, industry mentors and the Isle of Wight Youth Trust— ensuring that the renewed national focus on live music directly benefits the Island’s next generation.
The Music Club is a supportive creative space shaped by young people, Rob da Bank, and the mentors who guide each session. Young Islanders can try out DJing, have a go at songwriting or vocals, play instruments, and get a feel for basic tech and behind the scenes roles. The aim is simple: to give young people a friendly, supportive place to explore music, build confidence, and enjoy being creative together.
Paul Savil from the Isle of Wight Youth Trust, who support the wellbeing and engagement elements of the project, added: “At a time when many young people are struggling, offering a free creative space that builds confidence and connection is invaluable. We’re delighted to work with our Patron, Rob da Bank, to make this possible.”
Rob da Bank Music Club –Next sessions
- Strings Bar & Venue, Newport
- Tuesday 27th January & Tuesday 24th February
- 4:30pm–6:30pm
- For young people aged 11–19
- Cost: Free
Carrots on tour in Newport town
Members of the IW Youth Trust’s taskforce took an unconventional approach to building confidence and resilience last month, heading out on a festive walk around Newport – each accompanied by a carrot.
Inspired by author Ben Aldridge’s encouragement to step outside comfort zones in creative and unexpected ways, the group braved a blustery December evening for the light-hearted outing. The walk included photo stops at Christmas trees around the town and outside the Guildhall, before the group dropped in to the Revive youth group.
Revive is also the venue where young people will register for the annual Youth Voice event, which takes place on January 31. During the evening, Taskforce members were also invited to watch an Irish dance class taking place nearby, with participants encouraging the group to join in.
Paul Savill, who heads up youth engagement for the charity, said the aim was to show that trying something different does not have to be risky to be meaningful.
“This was an idea to simply do something silly but safe, and show it doesn’t matter what others think of what you are doing,” he said. “What a great conversation starter to say, ‘I once took a carrot for a walk’?”
YOUTH TRUST SMASHES £10K TARGET IN WINTER WELLBEING CAMPAIGN
The Isle of Wight Youth Trust has not only achieved, but exceeded, its £10,000 fundraising goal for the Winter Wellbeing Campaign, thanks to the incredible generosity of the local community during the Big Christmas Give earlier this month.
This campaign brought together schools, Parish Councils, local family trusts, businesses, community groups and individuals across the Island, all united in supporting young people’s mental health and wellbeing.
The Youth Trust launched the campaign with a Festive Drinks Reception at Caffe Isola, which also marked the charity’s proud achievement of winning the prestigious GSK King’s Fund Impact Award – where the Isle of Wight Youth Trust was selected as the overall winner from more than 700 charities nationwide.
The celebration was attended by our patron Rob da Bank, alongside respected business and community supporters. Guests enjoyed a delicious buffet and drinks sponsored by Eldridge’s Solicitors, live music from Platform One students, and photography by talented young Islanders. Inspiring speeches from CEO Jo Dare and Youth Trust staff highlighted the real difference community support makes to young Islanders’ lives. On the night, a raffle raised over £700 and pledges and donations exceeded £1,175.
Dayna O’Brien, Fundraiser at Isle of Wight Youth Trust, said:
“This event and campaign is a true celebration of community spirit and achievement. Surpassing our Big Give target demonstrates the strength of our mission and the incredible support we receive from local businesses and individuals. Together, we are making a real difference for young people on the Isle of Wight.”
Funds raised will help young Islanders access our Youth Hub, receive one-to-one therapeutic support, and join activities that reduce isolation and loneliness—such as Snack and Chat (for young people aged 11–15) and Level Up (for young people aged 16–25).
For more information about upcoming services and activities, visit www.iowyouthtrust.co.uk or follow us on social media.
Quote from a young person supported by the Youth Trust:
“Massive thanks to you and the Youth Trust team — you’ve helped me so much. The island’s lucky to have something like this. Without your support, I don’t know where I’d be.”
Teams tackle walls for local charities
The primary and secondary Youth4Youth Climbing Festival 2025 took place at Wight Climbing on consecutive Wednesdays (November 5 and 12), supported by West Wight Sports & Community Centre, and delivered with the help of volunteers.
Twelve climbers from Nettlestone Primary School, 11 from The Bay CE School, and seven from Carisbrooke College took part across three events: speed climb, technical climb, and bouldering. Each pupil was also challenged to raise £15 in sponsorship for Mountbatten IW and the IW Youth Trust. Their efforts produced a remarkable total of £1,036, which will be shared evenly between the two charities, and doubled through The Big Give to £2,072.
Before competing, pupils were given an insight into the work of both charities.
Although the festival focused on team-work and encouragement, a light competitive element saw pupils cheering each other on throughout. In the primary events, Nettlestone Year 6 secured first place in speed climb, technical climb, and bouldering, with Nettlestone Year 5 taking second place in all three disciplines. In the secondary girls’ category, The Bay CE School placed second in speed climb, third in technical climb, and first in bouldering. Among the boys, The Bay finished third in speed climb, and second in both technical climb and bouldering. Carisbrooke College claimed first place in technical climb, first in speed climb, and third in bouldering.
