The BIG 5 update – sailing adventure
The Sailing Adventure 29th August – 4th September 2009
The Cirdan Sailing Trust provides disadvantage, young people the opportunity for self development from the experience of living and working on large sailing boats. The Cirdan Sailing Trust offers funding assistance, averaging 30%, to groups who work with young people between 12 and 25 years of age- the category I work with.
When I submitted my Big 5 application I based it on a 7 berth ship (5 clients, 2 staff) for a weekend in September. After contacting Cirdan and explaining who Solas were and the work Hales House does with its clients, they were generous enough to offer the Queen Galadriel, a 16 berth ship, for 7 days. An opportunity that could not be missed, and an adventure for 13 clients rather that 5. As for me-I stayed on dry land with my feet firmly on the ground where there are hair straightners and comfy beds!
Since returning from their voyage our young clients have not stopped sharing stories of their experience. Friendships amongst the young people have grown due to the teamwork and motivation they gave each other during the voyage. They endured all weather, sun, wind, rain-luckily no snow, but all have said if they had the opportunity to do it again they wouldn’t change a thing. The voyage has helped form relationships with the staff who joined them aboard the ship and this has continued to progress since their return.
A client workshop was held on their return, asking them for their feedback and experiences. Here are just a few of their many thoughts:
Positive Outcome
‘Get on better with the others’
‘Learnt to control my temper in a small environment’
‘Coming on with my cooking qualification’
‘Using my newly gained OCN cookery qualification’
‘Taught me to sail’
‘Has given me a routine in the day rather than stay in bed’
‘Helped me with my living skills’
‘Coming on with my cooking skills and being told to go further’
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One Response to “The BIG 5 update – sailing adventure”
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Written on 16th October, 2009
I just wanted to thank the whole team, the staff who were brave enough to spend a week couped up on a sailing boat and the staff team who ensured the scheme was fully covered in their absence. It was such an amazing experience for everyone involved, it has spurred the team on to try and provide more of these life changing opportunities.