It all started back in 2012, when a fellow Carer Support Worker mentioned a sailor friend who was interested in how they could help support Young Adult Carers within Torbay. A phone call later and within a very short space of time, we were given a funding opportunity to send two Carers aboard the Tallship SS Narchos.
Having made their way to Portsmouth, they were soon aboard and sailing down the coast to finish in Torbay. Both returned with a real sense of achievement along with a massive boost of confidence and a determination to succeed in life. Over the following years, our relationship with the Tallships Trust grew and we continued to send 2-4 Carers each year.
In 2016, we took 10 Young Adult Carers for what we believed would be a one-off opportunity to sail for a week with the Trust aboard ‘Challenger’, one of their three racing yachts. We took part in the Walking Tall Project designed to help motivate young people and improve their confidence and self -esteem. I can honestly say that having this opportunity has had a positive impact on all who took part. The chance to see young people totally out of their comfort zone and working together to sail a racing yacht on often choppy waters was a sight to behold.
Although the young people all share a common role, they all have very different lives and backgrounds and this was a wonderful opportunity for them to make new friends and gain a great life experience. With the guidance of the crew, they were able to come together, support each other and grow in confidence – the memories will last a lifetime!
Last year’s sail from Portsmouth to Brixham was a continuation of our ongoing relationship with the Trust and is the second year in which we shared the experience with Carers from all over Devon.
On behalf of Torbay Young Adult Carers, we would like to express our thanks and gratitude to Chas and the Tallships Trust and Richard Peyton-Jones of the Eleanor Hamilton Trust for these great opportunities.
Dave Baker, Young Adult Carer Development Worker
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