Thousands raised as local children sail the seas to tackle social issues
A relay-style sailing adventure around the UK coastline has raised more than £18,000 so far in aid of the Newark in Nottinghamshire YMCA, to fund its new Community and Activity Village.
80, mostly school age, sailing novices from the inland district were involved in a six-week national sailing relay around the whole of the UK, as part of an initiative to improve youth development for the town. The children had no prior sailing experience. The sail started on August 30 from Portsmouth, and circumnavigated via Plymouth, Cardiff, Liverpool, Greenock, Inverness, Hull and London, where the Tower Bridge ceremoniously raised for them, before finishing back in Portsmouth. The expedition was a joint venture between YMCA Newark and Sherwood and the Tall Ships Youth Trust, the UK’s oldest sail training charity.
Passing under London’s Tower Bridge on one of the last legs
Duran Duran frontman and well known sailor Simon Le Bon sheets-in on one of the Tall Ships Youth Trust’s 72ft Challenger yachts.
When the final group of sailors arrived back in Portsmouth, the home of the Tall Ships Youth Trust, they were greeted by Duran Duran frontman Simon Le Bon, who recently became an ambassador of the sailing charity. The pop star began sailing when he was a child and his support helps the Trust to create more sailing opportunities for individuals. Recognising the value of sailing for young people Le Bon said: “I’ve taught kids to sail. I helped my own kids to learn to sail but I’ve taught other kids to learn to sail when I’ve been on holidays and there’s been a boat and somebody’s reached the right age and they get a bit inquisitive. I just do what the guy who first took me sailing did for me. You get them out on the water and you say ‘Right you take over the tiller’.”
Newark’s youth took part in a landmark sailing challenge to raise money
and awareness to support issues relating to the district’s poor social mobility
At Loch Ness
Children as young as 13 took part in the UK Sailing Challenge, where they ate, slept and lived on board for between four and six days. They also celebrated with other local YMCAs as each new crew navigated a leg. Other participants included apprentices, college students, council workers and YMCA residents living in the charity’s supported accommodation following a period of homelessness.
The first-of-its-kind Community Village will help to reduce the lack of opportunities to the rural area which is currently ranked 323rd out of 324 by the Social Mobility Commission.
Sharing a winch
The scale ranks all of the local authorities in England in terms of life chances of someone born into a disadvantaged background. The East Midlands has been identified as the region with the worst outcomes for those from disadvantaged backgrounds, with Newark and Sherwood the worst-performing local authority.
The donations will help YMCA Newark and Sherwood to continue building spaces in the £13m Village, which will offer integrated family programmes, sensory classes, affordable world-class facilities, as well as scholarships for those needing a helping hand. The aim of the centre is to help young people to acquire skills which can set them up for life.
Craig Berens, Chief Operating Officer of YMCA Newark and Sherwood, said: “The cornerstone of our work is in creating equal life opportunities for all, no matter what their background is. Early life experiences educate your core values into adulthood, and opportunities for young people to thrive often rely on an unfair postcode lottery which negatively affects social wellness, healthy living and youth development.
Getting ready for a night watch
Enjoying the scenery on the Clyde
“We are delighted with the work of our sailing superstars in the expedition. The donations that keep coming in are so appreciated, as they will help us to make a real difference in our community. Our youngsters need the right support to believe in themselves, to get jobs, the right education, do what they love, and lead fulfilled lives.”
The YMCA (Young Men’s Christian Association) is a national charity which supports youth development, healthy living and social responsibility to build stronger communities through a plethora of services. From accommodation for homeless young people to a range of skills-based training and apprenticeship schemes, the charity is based on Christian values of caring, honesty and respect.
Please visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/ymcatallships2019 for more information or to donate.