They are using the stairs in their homes to climb the equivalent of Scafell Pike and asking for sponsors to support them. In these times of lockdown this is both a good way to keep fit and boost funds for charities that are unable to put on their planned fundraising events. Young people and friends of SWAY are being challenged to climb their stairs as many times as it takes and over 10 days. There is likely to be some strong competition amongst them as the young people have previously been to Wales or The Lakes on residential trips and climbed for real. Already a number of young people and others have signed up. They are going to log their progress and may even film some of it for the website and internet pages. 

Andy Dorning, Lead Youth Worker says, ‘It's great fun for those taking part and for those following the challenge, it’s just like the groups are still meeting with young people having fun together reaching across a wide rural area rather than being isolated’. 

SWAY runs youth activities and supports young people and families across the South Wight and even though the youth groups are unable to meet in the villages right now, they continue virtually. Young people are able to come together and communicate with each other and the youth workers. The 1-1 mentoring and family work continues as required, although it is not able to offer the full range of services. A number of SWAY’s activities such as the Young Leaders' trip to the New Forest and The Lakes trip have either been cancelled or postponed under review, and fundraising events through the summer have also been cancelled or postponed, so the charity is keen for this climb to go ahead. 

To follow the progress of the climb go to www.southwightyouth.org or Facebook and Instagram where you can find out more about SWAY as well.