1 August 2025
Young people receiving treatment for their mental health have taken part in a nationwide sailing voyage to raise awareness and promote recovery for those experiencing mental health difficulties.
A group of 12 patients and four colleagues from our Trust’s early intervention in psychosis (EIP) services joined a professional crew on their leg of the 2025 Voyage to Recovery journey.
The team set sail from Peterhead Bay in Scotland on Saturday 19 July, navigating a challenging five-day voyage before arriving at Hartlepool Marina, where they docked late last week.
This marks the fifth consecutive year that our Trust has participated in the Voyage to Recovery – an initiative led by the Cirdan Trust.
Spanning over 10 weeks, the project brings together early intervention in psychosis (EIP) patients and staff from across the UK. It forms part of an innovative approach to mental health care, offering young people and adults affected by psychosis the opportunity to engage in adventure therapy as a pathway to recovery.
The impact of adventure therapy
Mark Bradley, a consultant clinical psychologist in our Trust, said: “Psychosis is an isolating illness and there is unfortunately a lot of stigma attached to it.
“Adventure therapy offers a dynamic, person-centred approach to recovery. It breaks down traditional roles, allowing staff and participants to connect as equals through shared challenges and experiences.
“This environment builds confidence, resilience and peer support, especially for those who may not engage with conventional therapy. It teaches practical skills, strengthens social bonds and empowers individuals to take ownership of their wellbeing.
Recovery through adventure therapy is active, communal and deeply transformative.
“Sailing adventure therapy provides people with a shared sense of purpose, strong and safe leadership, and the chance to spend time offline away from modern technology and influences. It involves a lot of teamwork and physical effort while learning how to navigate, cook and clean – gaining key life skills.
“Our patients have been really excited for this adventure of a lifetime, we all have. In the spirit of co-creation, we are working with them to deliver the care that they need in an engaging and innovative way.”
Reflecting on the experience
Robert, a patient onboard, said: “I feel like I’ve had a complete restructure of myself. Out with the old thinking patterns and in with the new. The hope is immense, and I don’t want this feeling to stop. The voyage is like a magical mystery tour of mental health.”
Another patient onboard said: “Everyone was motivating each other and checking in. It was nice to feel like I wasn’t alone. The staff and crew members were so patient with everyone, we all pulled together.”
Jodi McQueeney, an advanced practitioner in the Stockton EIP team, said: “Personally, I didn’t feel the voyage could get any better than last year and it exceeded my expectations.
“The team worked well together, physically completing tasks such as sailing, cooking and cleaning. Mentally and emotionally, the group bonded early on by sharing their lived experiences of mental health and psychosis.
“The initial journey was difficult with a long drive up to Peterhead and some bad weather on our first day, however the team supported one another which built stronger connections and relationships.
There’s something about the intensity of interactions on the boat that really supports individuals to open up about their experiences with others. It allows them to trust each other and help each other out which supports their overall recovery.
“Everyone was included and involved. Morale was maintained by games and daily reflections which encourage a narrative of openness with one another about how we are feeling, what’s been helpful and what people have found difficult.
“The voyage had a significant impact on participants’ confidence, self-esteem, the ability to build positive relationships, motivation to complete a task, understanding one’s difficulties and self, and hopefulness for recovery.”
Another patient onboard said the voyage was ‘life-changing’ and ‘incredible’. They added: “Anyone that gets the opportunity should go and you won’t regret it.”
Legs of the voyage
- Lymington to Plymouth, 24 – 29th April
- Neyland to Whitehaven: 31st May – 5th June
- Whitehaven to Glasgow: 7th- 12th June
- Glasgow to Oban: 5th – 10th July
- Oban to Peterhead: 12th – 18th July
- Peterhead to Hartlepool: 19th – 24th July
- Hartlepool to Ipswich:13th – 18th Sept
- Ipswich to Lymington: 20th – 25th Sept
