Youth opportunities

Winchester Rotary has a strong and active Youth Team.  We support a wide range of projects, working  with pupils from local schools, young people in our community, in addition to national and international youth charities.  

Our work gives men and women of all ages an ideal opportunity to help vulnerable children in need in our community and beyond. We invite you to help us by using your many skills, and experience and giving to them your valued time. You could make a huge difference to the well being, confidence and opportunities for these precious young people. Your guidance and friendship will give them a ‘step up” towards a better future. They are our future. Please join us – there are many different options.

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Playhouse Foundation

In November 2024, we granted £1,250 to The Playhouse Foundation in support of their webinar series.

A letter of thanks from Victoria Stanley, Founder, Director & DSL of the foundation:

Dear Diana,

I hope this message finds you well and that you have enjoyed a restful summer.

I am writing in relation to the £1,250 grant you kindly awarded us last November in support of our webinar series.

Rather unexpectedly, yet fortuitously, the host of the series generously donated her fee back to the Foundation!  As a result, we would like to propose reallocating your grant towards another of our projects; the running costs of our community playgroup for children with Special Educational Needs.

From January to July, we ran a specialist group for children aged 2–5 who were either showing early signs of autism or had already received a diagnosis. What made this group particularly valuable was the presence of certified early intervention therapists. They not only supported the children through engaging, play-based activities but also worked closely with parents during sessions, offering tools, guidance, and reassurance to strengthen family relationships and support developmental progress in communication and social interaction.

We kept the group intentionally small and welcoming, with an emphasis on empowerment and connection — both between parents and children, and among the families themselves.

Here is a snapshot of what the playgroup provided:

  • A supportive space for parents to learn practical techniques from professionals while engaging in play with their child.
  • Structured, child-led activities designed to foster communication, connection, and social interaction.
  • Opportunities for parents to meet others navigating similar challenges, creating a positive, understanding community.
  • Regular attendance that supports early identification of needs and access to timely interventions.
  • A consistent, structured routine in a warm, nurturing environment — often hugely beneficial for children on the spectrum.

The total cost of the group, covering room hire, therapist fees, resources, and refreshments, was £4,930. Aside from contributions from our primary donors, no additional funding was received. Your grant would make a significant difference, allowing us to redirect funds and support the continuation of this vital service into a second year.

We would, of course, be delighted to acknowledge your generosity in connection with the playgroup and to keep you updated on its impact.

Thank you once again for your kind support and for considering this request. We would be most grateful for your approval to reallocate the grant.

With warm regards,

Victoria

The Youth Team supports many other youth organisations including:

  • Rotary/ EPB Youth Development Programme – carried out at two local secondary schools – will continue to provide Personal Development, Interview Preparation, STEM events for all pupils.
  • Kids Out – a day out to Marwell Zoo for pupils from Osborne Special School, and their carers.
  • Goalball – a fast, exciting, skilful, Paralympic indoor sport of attack and defend, designed for those who are blind or partially sighted.
  • The Playhouse Foundation – provides for autistic children, scientifically researched care and development programmes, enabling preparation for mainstream school.
  • Rotaract – an officially recognised student society at Winchester Universitywhose members give generously of their time to help in many community projects.
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