5 October 2021
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.
Ten young people who use the services of Tees, Esk and Wear Valley’s NHS Foundation Trust joined four staff members from the early intervention in psychosis (EIP) service and a professional crew on the Voyage to Recovery.
The experience I had was unbelievable. I’ve learnt to trust again and work with new people. We all relied on each other and got along really well. Now I’ve done the trip I feel I can do anything. It’s made me realise that I have the skills that will make me employable in future, being able to work independently and as part of a team. It’s done me the world of good.
They set off on Monday 30 August 2021 and sailed 180 nautical miles on the penultimate leg from Peterhead in Scotland to Hartlepool over six days. The leg was part of a 2000+ mile voyage that started on Monday 19 July.
Voyage to Recovery is part of a national project ran by the Cirdan Trust that takes over 10 weeks to complete and includes other EIP patients and staff from across the UK. It aims to provide young people who are experiencing their first episode in psychosis with the opportunity to engage in adventure therapy in the form of sailing.
Adventure therapy has been proven to be effective in supporting people in their recovery journey. It provides opportunities for growth and self-development by engaging in challenging outdoor activities.
Sailing adventure therapy provides young people with a regular routine. They have a shared sense of purpose with strong and safe leadership peer support and spend time offline away from modern technology and influences. A wide range of new physical challenges and skills are experienced and new strengths, abilities and self-confidence is discovered.
The voyage is a significant adventure for everyone that involves many new experiences, limited ‘home comforts’ and a wide range of weather and sea conditions. This helps develop confidence, skills and gives a fresh perspective on life for young people who take part. It involves a lot of teamwork and physical effort while learning how to navigate, cook and clean – gaining key life skills.
I was surprised how well everybody worked together as a team that made the trip easier and more enjoyable. It made me aware of the skills that I have and can utilise. I’d be happy to volunteer with the Cirdan Trust in future to help others and teach them the basics of sailing.
Craig Leathley, support worker in the Stockton EIP team, said: “The voyage was a unique, exciting opportunity that proved to be both a demanding and very rewarding and positive experience.
“This was a new experience for everyone where abilities and skills were stretched, I was amazed how everybody connected and developed in their roles on the voyage. The group embraced each other, relationships developed and flourished, and individuals shared life experiences and laughter together.”
Craig, a service user on board, said: “The experience I had was unbelievable. I’ve learnt to trust again and work with new people. We all relied on each other and got along really well. Now I’ve done the trip I feel I can do anything. It’s made me realise that I have the skills that will make me employable in future, being able to work independently and as part of a team. It’s done me the world of good.
“Since the trip I feel more confident and can walk my dog with my head up, say hello to strangers instead of looking at the floor and avoiding people. I’m going to plan with my family and care team how I can keep up the momentum in my recovery.”
Emil, a service user also said “I was surprised how well everybody worked together as a team that made the trip easier and more enjoyable. It made me aware of the skills that I have and can utilise. I’d be happy to volunteer with the Cirdan Trust in future to help others and teach them the basics of sailing.”
To cover the cost of the sailing boat, transport, food and equipment, staff around the trust have took part in events such as Christmas Jumper Day, sea dips, raffles and many more to raise funds for the trip and local supermarkets have kindly provided food for the journey.
Steph Wingfield, community support worker in the South Durham EIP team, said: “These events have been difficult to arrange due to COVID-19 restrictions, but they have helped to lift the mood of staff and patients in what has been a challenging year. The support from staff and public donations has been incredible.”
Martin Hopkins, psychological therapist at the trust, said: “It was an amazing experience; becoming part of the crew, learning new skills and overcoming lots of challenges.”
Ruth Tomlinson, a student social worker in the York and Selby EIP team, said “The experience brought everybody together, pushed everyone out of their comfort zones, and through teamwork a great deal was achieved, it built confidence, resilience, and everyone learned more about themselves, their strengths and how they can overcome challenges to achieve things they never thought they could; all the things that helps recovery and improve mental wellbeing.”
Legs of the voyage
- 19 July – 24 July, Poole to London
- 26 July – 31 July, London to Ipswich
- 2 August – 7 August, Ipswich to Hartlepool
- 9 August – 14 August, Hartlepool to Peterhead
- 16 August – 22 August, Peterhead to Oban
- 23 August – 29 August, Oban to Peterhead
- 30 August – 4 September, Peterhead to Hartlepool (TEWV EIP services)
- 6 September – 11 September, Hartlepool to Ipswich
- 12 September – 17 September, Ipswich to London
- 19 September – 24 September, London to Poole
