I am Solen, co-founder of Blue Spirit, and Chair of Trustees. I have spent my working life so far teaching, translating, writing and fulfilling various communications and networking roles in the non-profit and higher education sectors. Working with and supporting young people, either directly or indirectly, has always been something close to my heart. I raised my two children in Brittany, France, before returning to the UK with my daughter a few years ago, and maintain close ties with that part of the world, where my son Laury learnt to sail. Blue Spirit was founded in memory and in honour of Laury. His loss to mental illness in 2020 was devastating to me and all his family, but his passion for sailing inspired us to enable other struggling young people to experience something he found to be such a source of peace and joy.

I am Nina - co-founder of Blue Spirit and godmother of Laury. I have worked in both the charity sector and the arts for most of my career. I have fulfilled many humanitarian roles, working with refugees, victims of hate crime and genocide survivors. These days I run a not-for-profit arts organisation, FotoDocument, which uses photography to showcase solutions to social and environmental issues globally. I also work as a documentary photographer myself, using my camera to tell stories that I feel passionate about. I have spent a lot of time in Brittany over the years, where Laury grew up, and I witnessed how much sailing helped him. His mother Solen and I set up Blue Spirit in Laury’s memory to enable young people in difficult circumstances to benefit from sailing. Photo is of me (right) in action on our film / photography project In His Slipstream, which is based on the work of Blue Spirit.

I’m Stuart, one of Blue Spirit’s trustees. I’ve worked for most of my career in environmental regulation, and I also volunteer as a director and secretary for an environmental charity in my home town of Hexham, Northumberland.

I love the idea of Blue Spirit, and its potential to make a huge difference to young lives. I hope I can bring some skills and experience from my other roles to help Blue Spirit to grow and increase its reach. Unfortunately, as the ‘landlubber’ of the team, seamanship isn’t one of those skills! I am keen on running, cycling and hillwalking though, and know very well how important being active in the outdoors can be for self-esteem and well-being.

It’s great to be part of the team, and I’m excited to see what we can achieve together. I might even learn a thing or two about sailing as we go!

I am Leda, a specialist teacher in the area of special needs. My working life has been around education as well as not for profit organisations aimed to improving outcomes for young people and adults facing barriers, including those with an offending history, mental health needs, disability, and educational underachievement. I am passionate about supporting people to achieve their potential. As a close friend of Solen’s, whom I met whilst we were both in Newcastle University, and someone who knew Laury, I am proud to be asked to contribute to this project with its inspiring approach to supporting people to challenge themselves and see life anew through sailing.

I'm Lily, a community artist, animator and illustrator. My practice is driven by a passion for creating community and conversation through creativity. I'm passionate about the significance of trying something new for young people, both in my own practice – seeing the transformation that is possible through exploring art making – and at Blue Spirit in seeing the life-changing impact that sailing can have.

I have long been an enthusiastic wild swimmer and open water has always been a place of healing for me. Then, having joined the Blue Spirit team for a one-day sailing trip in France, breathing the salty air and seeing a mother dolphin and her baby swim past, I was captivated by the freedom and excitement on the boat. I quickly understood Laury's passion for sailing, even though I sadly never had a chance to meet him. I'm proud to be one of the Trustees for Blue Spirit and look forward to the adventure we're on.

I'm Amber. I have experience working on projects across environmental science, VCSE infrastructure and a number of community groups. I love facilitating various styles of meditation and mindfulness practice. It feels important to support young people through mindful activities such as sailing and I have previously been part of a young people's mindfulness community which has helped me to be present, explore my creativity and connect with the practices that bring me joy in life. I'm honoured to be supporting Blue Spirit and intend to make use of my varied experiences to ensure that Blue Spirit can help young people especially those with mental health challenges to experience spaciousness and connection and be inspired by sailing.

I’m Ira  and I've been a direct beneficiary of two sailing trips, which brought new experiences and skills to my life. Outside of this, I have a large interest in community and charitable work, with a background in Project Management. My day job is currently with a national charity called the Unite Foundation and I am a volunteer with GirlGuiding UK,  Transition Tynedale, Stagefright CIC and have supported organisation and social media for several other organisations such as EaCES UK and Tynedale Community Choir.