Sea-Change Sailing Trust

General information

What we do: Sea-Change provides action-centred learning and seamanship training for young people and vulnerable adults by offering an alternative approach to learning in a structured and safe yet challenging environment.

How we do it: Participants live and work aboard a large traditional sailing vessel. They take part in anything the ship and the group needs and are encouraged to return and reinforce both their learning and confidence.

Why we do it: Engaging young people positively in their community is one of the greatest challenges faced by British society. Many are trapped in a downward spiral of poor parenting, petty crime, re-offending, drugs and alcohol. The cause of this is a lack of the right sort of support for young people when they most need it.

Why we are different: Sea-Change is there for the long haul. Our mentoring scheme helps prepare for a programme and to transfer positive change into normal life. The experience is intense and demanding yet takes place in an environment young people consider home while learning the skills needed to guide them in the wider world and workplace.

What next: We are raising funds to complete our vision, that of a new Thames sailing barge working intensively for extended periods under sail, carrying a cargo within career-orientated training programmes - all in a low carbon environment.

Our barge is a replica of 1930 built Blue Mermaid, which was lost during the war. She will significantly reduce our operating costs and make us more sustainable, whilst enabling us to increase the amount of sea time available