What we do: Sea-Change provides action-centred learning and seamanship training for young people and vulnerable adults by offering an alternative approach to learning in a structured and safe yet challenging environment. Individuals can return independently of their group to undertake traditional seamanship training, which can lead to a maritime career. How we do it: Participants live and work aboard a our steel, engineless Thames sailing barge Blue Mermaid. They take part in anything the ship and group needs and are encouraged to return and reinforce both their learning and confidence. Why we do it: Engaging young people positively in their community is one of the greatest challenges faced by British society. Many are trapped in a downward spiral of poor parenting, petty crime, re-offending, drugs and alcohol. The cause of this is a lack of the right sort of support for young people when they most need it. Our mentoring scheme helps prepare for a programme and to transfer positive change into normal life. The experience is intense and demanding yet takes place in an environment young people consider home while learning the skills needed to guide them in the wider world and workplace.
