ISLE of Wight ferry company Wightlink is welcoming a diverse range of new groups to its 2024 sponsorship scheme — from a cadet club for young people, to an organisation dedicated to making the sea a much cleaner place to swim and surf in.

In total, more than 50 groups will receive supported cross-Solent travel from the ferry company throughout the year, making it easier for them to travel to the mainland for training and events as part of the Wightlink in the Community initiative.

Ryde Sea Cadets commanding officer, Linden Softley, said: "The sea cadets is all about developing young people's confidence, teamwork skills, respect and resilience through adventurous activities.

Isle of Wight County Press: Ryde Sea Cadets are benefiting from Wightlink's support this year.Ryde Sea Cadets are benefiting from Wightlink's support this year. (Image: Ryde Sea Cadets)

Isle of Wight County Press: Ability Dogs 4 Young People are backed by Wightlink this year.Ability Dogs 4 Young People are backed by Wightlink this year. (Image: Ability Dogs 4 Young People)

"Thanks to Wightlink's support, we will be able to take part in more mainland-based activities this year — and also give our cadets the opportunity to spend time onboard its fleet to find out more about maritime careers."  

Wightlink also helps groups which undertake important work to preserve and enhance the environment.

This year, Wightlink is welcoming Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) - South Coast to its sponsorship scheme  assisting the group with cross-Solent travel as they undertake beach cleans, education work and lobby for cleaner seas.

SAS regional representative, Chani Courtney, said: "We hope to carry out even more beach cleans on the Island this year, and do more visits to schools and groups to raise awareness of plastic and sewage pollution in our oceans  and how we can work together to clean up our seas.

"Wightlink's help will allow us to bring more resources to the Island to help us in our important work."

Isle of Wight County Press: The Isle of Wight Steam Railway will be supported by Wightlink in 2024.The Isle of Wight Steam Railway will be supported by Wightlink in 2024. (Image: Isle of Wight Steam Railway)

Isle of Wight County Press: Wightlink support the work of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.Wightlink support the work of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. (Image: Pixabay)

The ferry company's commercial director, Phil Delaney adds: "Over the years, we have built strong relationships with these groups, which are hugely important to the Island's community, providing opportunities — particularly for young people — to develop their skills, broaden horizons and realise their ambitions. says the company's commercial director, Phil Delaney.

"This year, we are delighted to welcome some new groups to our sponsorship scheme and look forward to following their successes in the year ahead."

SUPPORTED GROUPS AND ORGANISATIONS IN 2024
Charities and groups: Ability Dogs 4 Young People, Aspire Ryde, Isle of Wight Steam Railway, LBT Global, Naomi House and Jacksplace, Sporting Bears Motor Club and Isle of Wight Summer Camp, The Elizabeth Foundation, WightAID Foundation and Ryde Sea Cadets.
Environmental groups: Blue Marine Foundation, Forestry Commission (Sea Eagle Project), Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, RSPB, Surfers Against Sewage - South Coast and the University of Portsmouth's Institute of Marine Sciences.