Today [Wednesday 28 July 2021] was a momentous day for the Trust as we finally saw Alba Venturer back out on the water with young people doing what we do best. With three days sailing, and two nights camping at Inverkip (due to covid restrictions prohibiting people from sleeping on board) the young people from St Paul’s Youth Forum in Glasgow have been learning new skills and embracing challenges both on board and ashore to stretch themselves and reach their full potential. The voyage forms part of the Scottish Government’s CashBack for Communities programme, which aims to identify and work with young people most at risk of being affected by crime.
Although this voyage was the first time we have been able to work with young people at sea since the pandemic began, our dedicated youth worker Barry has in fact been working with this group – and others – for a number of months through shore-based workshops and activities such as tubing, orienteering, crate climbing and cycling. To see the programme come to fruition with the first voyage was a reason for all to celebrate. We hope it stays dry for the group as they pitch their tents at Inverkip tonight – and here’s hoping they brought the midgie repellant!
