Blue Spirit

Blue Spirit enables young people (aged 14 to 25) who are experiencing a mental health challenge or facing social / economic disadvantage to go sailing.

We work in partnership with organisations in the North-East of England which offer sailing experiences to young people. These organisations have a wealth of experience in providing safe and exhilarating sailing experiences to a wide range of people.

We also partner with community groups and charities who are well-placed to identify and refer young people who would benefit from this kind of experience. This fund is not limited to people suffering from mental health issues, but is for any young person who would not normally be able to access this kind of experience and who would benefit from enhanced wellbeing, gaining self-confidence or an opportunity to have time for themselves in nature.

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.