How Brighterway’s funding empowered Hampshire and Isle of Wight healthcare’s social inclusion group initiative

At the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, the Specialist Community Forensic Team (SCFT) is making strides in helping individuals with complex mental health difficulties transition back into the community after long stays in secure care. Thanks to funding from Brighterway, the Trust’s charity, a transformative initiative —the Social Inclusion Group— was brought to life. This project, spearheaded by Occupational Therapist Maddie Drewett and Occupational Therapy Assistant Nick Matthews, is making a profound difference in helping service users rebuild their lives and connections in their local communities.

Filling a critical gap

Maddie and Nick recognised a crucial gap in support for individuals reentering the community from secure settings. While these individuals often faced barriers such as isolation and loss of identity, there were few groups that specifically catered to people with forensic mental health needs.

To address this, the Social Inclusion Group was created, with a clear mission: to foster meaningful peer connections, rebuild confidence, and encourage participation in community activities in a safe, stigma-free environment.

As Maddie explains, “We wanted to offer a place where people going through similar journeys could meet, share skills, and support each other.” The group was designed not just as a support system, but as a platform for individuals to regain their independence and rediscover themselves through new hobbies, social activities, and leisure experiences.

How Brighterway’s Funding Helped

The Social Inclusion Group’s success would not have been possible without Brighterway’s financial support. With an initial grant of £660, Maddie and Nick were able to plan and deliver a range of activities over 12 months, including ice skating, visits to museums, and group outings to local community cafes.

The funding was crucial in covering costs such as venue hire and activity fees, ensuring that financial constraints weren’t an additional barrier for participants, many of whom live on limited budgets. Transport proved a challenge, logistically and financially – so Maddie and Nick were especially grateful for the support in this instance.

As Nick reflects, “Without Brighterway’s funding, we wouldn’t have been able to run the group. Many of the people we work with are on benefits, [so the funding] allowed us to make activities accessible to everyone.”