Giving young people a taste of freedom on the waves.
A much needed boost
for mental health.
One in four people will face a mental health challenge at some stage in their life, and none are more affected these days than our youth.
At the same time, research has shown that just being in blue spaces (like the sea) can have a positive effect on stress reduction and wellbeing. Sailing itself also has multiple benefits. Learning to sail helps develop essential life skills.
We believe all struggling young people deserve opportunities like this, which is why we offer subsidised sailing experiences to those who would otherwise be unable to access them.
How we do it
What we do
Blue Spirit enables young people (aged 14 to 25) who are experiencing a mental health challenge or facing social / economic disadvantage to go sailing.
Through our sailing partners in the north-east of England, we offer anything from half-day dinghy sailing, weekend sails and 6-day residential voyages. You don’t need any experience or special gear to participate – just some enthusiasm and an open mind.
We will cover everything directly related to your sailing trip, including food onboard, hire of sailing waterproofs and visitor mooring costs. You can also talk to us if you think you may have difficulties getting to the port or sailing club or will need to bring a carer on board with you.
Our Impact
Although we are a young organisation, our work has already had a life-changing impact on many young people who have been given an experience that is normally simply out of their reach and unaffordable
Blue Spirit helps young people from the most deprived areas or communities have this amazingly beneficial experience by actively searching for those communities and the professionals who know them, and creating and nurturing sustainable relationships with them.
Blue Spirit is the hub of the sailing activities we provide.
Working closely with our partners enables us to get young people access to the open spaces which can improve their mental health.
Because we raise the funds, book the sailing experiences and liaise with the community groups or referrers working with young people, we make the process a lot easier for groups who would otherwise have to try to work it out themselves.
At the same time, we not only make sailing experiences affordable to youth groups, we also help them discover a previously unknown opportunity.
Laury
Blue Spirit was established in memory of Laury Gratiet.
Laury had a beautiful smile, an infectious laugh and a warm heart. He was sensitive, intelligent, stubborn, charming, lovable, passionate, idealistic, infuriating, determined and affectionate!
He cared passionately about people and planet and he was motivated by making the world a better place. Beset by mental health challenges, Laury took his own life in July 2020. Although his issues proved too much for him in the end, Laury always felt happiest when sailing, and it was his passion from the first time he set foot in an Optimist at the tender age of seven.
What our sailors say …
Contact
Feel free to contact us with any questions.
Email
solen@bluespirit.uk
Phone
07943 663368
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Or to apply for a sailing experience, click here.
To read our safeguarding policy, click here.
