Equals IW is appealing for funds to help in its vital work on the Isle of Wight. Here is the text of a letter being sent out to local institutions seeking support.
You have probably never heard of us, and you wouldn't unless you are newly arrived on the Isle of Wight, you are a woman, possibly from another country, a person with little or no family support, do not speak good English, member of one of the LBGT communities, or a man with similar problems.
That was why the Equals IW group was formed, to provide a solution for those who have found integrating in British society to be difficult.
Our vision is that the Isle of Wight will become an even more inclusive, supportive and friendly place to live, work and visit for all people. We want the Isle of Wight to be a place of true equality of opportunity, with peace and respect for all.
We are working together with other organisations and individuals to achieve this vision. As you will gather from ensuing pages we have been fulfilling this task and following the original objectives. Our activities have encompassed disparate ethnic and cultural groups and notably we have been able to encourage many foreign born women to step forward and participate in traditional British community activity.
All our active members are volunteers and we have no professional workers. Our expenses revolve around hall hires and costs most of which are defrayed by contributions but we still need some top-up finance to keep us going. We are presently preparing a celebration of United Nations Diversity Day in May 2019 and this would involve at least a dozen national and cultural groups on the Island. We are already committed to working with the Mardi Gras and Pride events.
We would welcome your financial support and sponsorship.
The Totland Bay Mosaic Arts Company and Heart in my Mouth are working with Equals IW to Support Asian Day 2018.
The Isle of Wight Asian Day 2018 is a free event for everyone.
We would love you to come along and visit our stand where you can have ago at Indian Printing, Asian Arts, Glass Painting to create your own Asian Style Tea Light.
You can also have ago at Glass Painting to create your own Asian Style Tea Light.
Whilst visiting us why not take a look at lovely handmade craft items made by Helen and Lesley, include some special craft items with an Asian theme on sale just for this special day.
Treat yourself or buy as a gift for someone special to you.
Come and see the best in Asian Culture in a fun family day out on Sunday 29th July at Arreton Barns. Entry is free and there will be plenty to see and things to do with Asian food, dancing, costumes and entertainment.
The 2018 Isle of Wight Asian Day due to take place on the 29th July 2018 was cancelled due to the weather.
The organisers would like to apologise to all who were inconvenienced.
The next Equals IW July 2018 Committee Meeting details are
Seeds4change Family Therapy Ltd is located in Quay Street, Newport on the same side as the church at the top of Quay Street, High Street End. It is about half way along Quay Street just up and opposite the Island Courts.
Entrance is through the black gates that lead you into a small court yard car park. Take the first door on the right into the building.
This is the same venue as the last Committee Meeting.
Free Car Parking in Quay Street as of 6pm.
Please make every effort to attend as the following meeting will not be until September 2018.
Find out more on Wikipedia or read the article in the Metro.
Equals IW has made progress on several organisational fronts
The Women's Friendship Group membership has been falling so the group are considering a marketing drive after the summer. The issue was raised that having Mardis Gras workshops in a venue restricted to Women, while cost effective, prevents male participation. Also the timing of workshops during the day prevents those in paid work from joining in.
The Men's Friendship Group has been dormant due to work commitments. The committee discussed whether focusing future meetings on a specific activity would increase interest.
Activities are currently being planned for
This is a very brief abstract from the minutes of the meeting.
A copy of the minutes is available on
The May Committee meeting will be held as follows
The venue is on the opposite side to the court about halfway up/down Quay street.
Parking charges apply in Quay Street.
The programmed activities are now complete but work continues so for the latest details please see our Facebook page.
Here is a list of the activities involved with Mardis Gras costumes, there is a cost this year to attending the workshops and limited places.
We have started making costumes for Mardi Gras at Wow. Please anyone who would like to join the parade let Sandra know.
Apologies for the poor display of this table on a mobile phone.
Activity |
DATES AND TIMES |
VENUE |
FEE |
Notes |
Basic Carnival Skills Beginners Level |
Thursday 22 February for 5 sessions 6pm to 9pm |
The Coaching House |
£40 full fee £25 concession fee for Mardi Gras Groups (limit of 2 adults per group) |
Maximum of 12 people on course Limited to 2 places per group (Option to move venue, if necessary, to accommodate a larger group) |
Backpacks and Structures for Carnival Intermediate Level
|
Thursday 19 April for 4 sessions 6pm to 9pm |
The Coaching House |
£50 full fee £30 concession fee for Mardi Gras Groups (limit of 1 adult per group) |
Maximum of 12 people on course Limited to 1 place per group |
Creative Leaders for community group leaders, parent helpers or volunteers - to acquire a variety of skills needed to plan and manage a safe and stress free carnival workshop!
|
Saturday 10 March 10am to 4pm |
Salisbury Gardens Dudley Road Ventnor PO38 1EJ |
£6 only |
Maximum of 20 people on course Limited to 2 places per group |
Major Costumes and Individual pieces For adults and older children, working with visiting carnivalist Ray Mahabir from Sunshine Arts London
|
Half Term week Weds, Thurs, Friday May 30/31/1st/2nd 10 am to 4pm |
Ryde Youth Centre at 97 High Street Ryde 10-4 pm. |
Free of Charge Pay for materials used only |
Space and support to create those show-stopping pieces! You will need to submit your designs and plans at least one week before the workshop. |
For further detaills please contact Sandra Trigg by email at