Meet The Isorropia Foundation
At Red Squirrel Property Shop, supporting our local community is something we're passionate about. Each month, we like to shine a light on an organisation that's making a real difference across the Isle of Wight, and we're delighted to introduce our latest Charity of the Month – Isorropia Foundation.
While Isorropia isn't a traditional charity, it is a non-profit Community Interest Company (CIC) dedicated to improving mental health and wellbeing across the Island. Since its launch in 2018, the organisation has been helping local people build resilience, develop practical coping strategies and improve their overall wellbeing before they reach crisis point.
Recently, our Sales & Marketing Coordinator, Ffion, met with Natalie from Isorropia to learn more about the organisation, its mission and the incredible support it provides to people across the Isle of Wight.
A Different Approach to Mental Health
Founded by CEOs Vicki Haworth and Charlie Bell, both of whom previously worked within the NHS, Isorropia was created after recognising a gap in mental health support on the Isle of Wight.
Rather than focusing solely on helping people once they've reached crisis point, they wanted to create a preventative organisation—one that gives people the tools, confidence and support to maintain positive mental wellbeing before problems become overwhelming.
Their mission is to help individuals build brighter, more balanced lives through practical wellbeing programmes and a community-focused approach. Everything they do is centred around empowering people to take control of their mental health, build resilience and reach their full potential.
Built Around the Five Keys to Wellbeing
Unlike many mental health organisations, Isorropia has developed its own wellbeing model based around Five Keys to Wellbeing, which form the foundation of every course and workshop they deliver.
These five principles encourage members to:
- Create a foundation of stability.
- Develop a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
- Embrace acceptance and letting go.
- Adopt an open and positive mindset.
- Connect with meaning and purpose in life.
These aren't just ideas—they're practical skills that members can apply in everyday life, helping them build long-term resilience rather than simply coping in the short term.
Why Group Workshops Work
One of the things that stood out most during our visit was Isorropia's approach to delivering support.
Every programme is delivered through professionally facilitated group workshops, rather than one-to-one sessions.
For some people, that might initially sound intimidating, but Natalie explained that it's actually one of Isorropia's greatest strengths.
Unlike individual therapy, group workshops provide something vital to us: connection.
People often arrive believing they're the only person struggling with anxiety, low confidence or difficult emotions. Being surrounded by others with similar experiences reminds them they're not alone, something Natalie described as being incredibly powerful.
Importantly, there's no expectation to share personal experiences. Members are welcome to simply listen, absorb the information and take part at whatever level feels comfortable.
As Natalie explained, therapy is invaluable for exploring issues in depth, but the connection people build through group workshops is something completely different—and something many members say has transformed their wellbeing.
No Waiting Lists
One of the most impressive things we learnt was how quickly people can access support.
Anyone aged 16 or over can self-refer online, over the phone or through a professional referral.
Even better, there are no waiting lists.
People can often speak to someone the same day, complete their enrolment within a couple of days and begin attending workshops the following week.
For those who may already be waiting for talking therapies and/or other organisations, Isorropia can provide valuable support in the meantime, helping to reduce feelings of anxiety and isolation rather than leaving people to struggle alone while they wait.
The GIFT Foundation Course
At the heart of Isorropia's wellbeing programme is ‘The GIFT’ Foundation Course.
Designed around the Five Keys to Wellbeing, The GIFT Foundation Course helps members better understand themselves, identify what's important to them and begin setting meaningful goals for the future.
Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, the course encourages people to look at their overall wellbeing and build practical strategies that can have a lasting impact.
Once members have completed The GIFT, they can continue onto a five-week follow-on programme, designed to help them work towards the goals they've set and continue building healthy habits with ongoing support from the team.
More Than Just Anxiety and Depression
Another thing we found refreshing is that Isorropia doesn't focus on diagnoses.
Instead, their CPD Accredited workshops are built around challenges that almost everyone experiences at some point in life.
Topics include:
- Mastering anxiety
- Overcoming low mood
- Confidence and self-esteem
- Emotional regulation
- Building healthy relationships
- Effective communication
- Anger management
- Neurodiversity
- Wellbeing planning
- Inner Child Healing
- Basic Human Needs
- Inner Critic
- Fear of Getting Well
Members are encouraged to attend whichever workshops they feel would benefit them, recognising that wellbeing isn't one-size-fits-all. Natalie described each workshop as being "another piece of the puzzle", helping people better understand themselves and develop new tools for everyday life.
Support That Doesn't End
One of Isorropia's most unique features is that members are never discharged.
Instead, they graduate into the wider Isorropia community.
Once they've completed the wellbeing programme, members can continue attending workshops whenever they need a refresher, take part in weekly wellbeing walks, join community activities and remain connected with the organisation for as long as they wish.
It's an approach that creates genuine long-term support, rather than simply ending once a course has finished.
Looking Out for One Another
Natalie also spoke about the importance of recognising when someone close to us might be struggling.
Often, friends and family are the first to notice changes in behaviour—whether that's someone becoming more withdrawn, no longer responding to messages or simply seeming unlike themselves.
Sometimes, simply asking if someone is okay and knowing where to signpost them for support can make all the difference.
How You Can Help
Although Isorropia receives NHS funding to deliver its wellbeing programmes, it also welcomes community support through donations and fundraising.
However, Natalie told us that one of the biggest ways people can help is simply by spreading the word.
Many Islanders still don't know this free service exists. By talking about Isorropia and sharing information about the support available, you could help someone take the first step towards improving their mental wellbeing.
Proud to Support Isorropia
Mental health struggles can affect every community, every workplace and every family.
That's why we're incredibly proud to be supporting Isorropia as our Charity of the Month. Their preventative approach, welcoming community and commitment to making mental health support accessible to everyone makes them a truly valuable organisation on the Isle of Wight.
If you or someone you know could benefit from their support, we'd encourage you to find out more about the fantastic work they do.
Together, we can help create a healthier, more connected Isle of Wight.
Isorropia Foundation | Wellbeing & Personal Development on the Isle of Wight
