Phoenix Futures maps out route to get sponsors aboard their sailing project for people with drug and alcohol problems

Support the Voyage of Recovery ... Phoenix Futures, a charity providing services for people with drug and alcohol problems, and the Tectona Trust, a charity dedicated to improving access to the world of sailing, are planning a very special project and would welcome sponsors' support.

"From 1st August, 2012, we will be giving the opportunity to 160 Phoenix Future's service users to sail the beautiful Gaff Ketch Tectona sail boat 1,800 miles in eleven legs around the coastal waters of Britain. Sailing the Tectona is hard, physical work, involving teamwork and a commitment to learning new skills. The service users would be involved in every aspect of running the ship, day and night.

"Professional crew provided by Cremyll Sailing (a sail training charity) will ensure safety, teach techniques and encourage service users to reflect on their experiences on a daily basis.

"The objective of this innovative project is to give those that are currently engaged in intensive drug and alcohol rehabilitative treatment - and have already demonstrated a strong commitment to their goal of recovery - a goal to aim towards, and offer an alternative form of therapy which will enhance their treatment.

"The adventure begins on 1st August, 2012 and we need your help and support to make sure it will happen.

  •   What's the benefit of this project?Sail training is proven to increase the individual's self-esteem and confidence; it also provides an arena for service users to gain awareness of one another and to learn how to work as a team to achieve a common goal. Each service user would also obtain a RYA competent crew certificate which is a recognised qualification and a great starting point for anyone thinking about a career in sailing.

"We believe that it is important to find new and adventurous approaches towards therapy and recovery from addiction. This project will open up the world of sail training, and the benefits that come with it, to many people who wouldn't normally have such an opportunity. We believe this sailing experience will be something that is remembered for life by the participants.

"In addition we will aim to inspire those people not in treatment to see the change they could make in their own lives.

  •   An educational opportunity: Plymouth University are currently researching with the Tectona Trust the benefits of sail training and the effects it has on people's behaviour after they have experienced both the serenity of the sea and the diverse challenges faced at whilst at sea. To date the evidence suggests that it is certainly positive.

"Sail training has a very similar benefit to other projects that Phoenix Futures run nationally. In order for people to recover they need some time out to reflect, to do something that is good for their self-confidence, great for their self-worth and for building a new self-belief.

"This voyage will provide another valuable opportunity for Plymouth University and the Tectona Trust to understand better the positive impact of sail training".

"I went on a sail training trip with my service last year and now work as a volunteer on the same boat; it's been life changing in more ways than anyone could imagine" - Darren Long, Former Phoenix Futures Service User.

Contact: James Armstrong, Head of Marketing and Communications

More information ...