The Hargreaves Foundation supports Ocean Youth Trust Scotland

The Trustees of The Hargreaves Foundation are pleased to announce that funding has been awarded to Ocean Youth Trust Scotland in support of their educational and empowering youth work voyages.

For 25 years, Ocean Youth Trust (OYT) Scotland has been transforming the lives of disadvantaged young people through sail training. They believe that all young people – particularly those facing deprivation, social isolation and exclusion – should have the opportunity to realise their full potential and lead healthy, fulfilling lives while contributing to their community.

Each year, OYT deliver more than 65 youth work voyages to young people from a range of backgrounds and circumstances. These 5, 7 and 10-day residentials provide young people with a unique opportunity to develop their self-confidence, build peer support networks, improve their mental and physical health, gain accredited qualifications, and build essential skills for life, learning, and work. By the end of their week at sea, many young people feel more resilient, supported and optimistic about the future.

To deliver these residential voyages annually, OYT rely on their two sail training vessels. With demand for these voyages ever-growing, it’s vital that these vessels can cope with the sailing season and accommodate the needs of the young people. As such, OYT plan to conduct a thorough refit project across both vessels to ensure necessary maintenance is covered for longevity and safety. The donation from The Hargreaves Foundation will be used towards the refit of one of OYT’s sail training vessel, Alba Explorer, contributing to the cost of a new anchor and repairing the vessel’s sails. Alba Explorer alone will give more than 325 young people the unique experience of a residential youth work voyage.