MOTIV8 TO OFFER MORE COMMUNITY SUPPORT WITH WINTER WELLNESS WORKSHOPS

Motiv8, the Manx charity that supports anyone impacted by issues surrounding alcohol, drugs, gambling and gaming, has been awarded funding from Manx Lottery Trust for it to launch a new project for its clients this winter.

The grant of £2,500 will support Winter Wellness Workshops, which has been launched by the charity to encourage participation and create an inclusive environment for those who might feel isolated.

The primary aim of Motiv8 is to minimise the harm associated with alcohol, drugs, gambling and gaming problems, across entire families and across the island. The support service is just a freephone call away, with no waiting lists and by talking to a trained counsellor from day one anyone can be assured of confidential support and a road to recovery.

During the Workshops on a Monday and Thursday each week, Motiv8 will provide a warm space for services users to feel safe and comfortable, a hot meal, workshop talks and external local artisans will be invited to teach crafting classes. They are also offering minibus or taxi collections for those unable to travel to the Workshops themselves.

As well as the above, the Charity will purchase blankets, heated over-blankets for those less able to move around at home, and winterwear items such as hats, snoods and gloves.

Thea Ozenturk, CEO of Motiv8, said: ‘We identified earlier last year that there was a need for these Winter Wellness Workshops, which we hope will empower people of various ages through their recovery. Our aim is to reduce isolation by opening up our warm space as much as we can, to prevent hunger and isolation amongst vulnerable members of our community.

‘During the sessions so far, our groups have decorated alcohol-free Christmas cakes which they took home and shared with their families, and also made Christmas wreaths. Their self-confidence has grown in leaps and bounds!

‘We are extremely grateful for the funding from Manx Lottery Trust, which will allow us to offer vital support during what might be a difficult winter for many.’

Stephen Turner, Chairman of Manx Lottery Trust, added: ‘We were pleased to support Motiv8 with funding from the Community Warm Spaces Fund, as these Workshops will be fundamental in helping people get back on their feet, whilst also providing them with a warm space over the winter months.’

This grant is from the Manx Lottery Trust’s Community Warm Spaces Fund. To find out more, head to: www.mlt.org.im/grant-programmes/