Scotland’s Minister for Children and Young People boarded OYT Scotland’s volunteer training boat, Alba Volunteer, and The Prince’s Trust’s schooner, Spirit, to find out how the two charities are using sail training to change young people’s lives.
Aileen Campbell MSP joined young people who have completed voyages with OYT Scotland and The Prince’s Trust. Her visit came as Spirit and OYT Scotland’s vessels Alba Endeavour and Alba Explorer, embark on a busy sailing season which will allow approximately 900 young people to learn new skills and grow in confidence.
A two year Strategic Funding Partnership with the Scottish Government is contributing £250k in funding Prince’s Trust programmes to support young people into learning and employment; including Spirit’s joint working with OYT Scotland.
Ms Campbell, said: “The time young people spend on Spirit really does have the power to change their lives and I really appreciate the invitation to share their experiences. Last week I joined other young people to launch a national strategy for youth work and heard about the difference that youth work has made to them.
“For many, youth work is about having a fun time with friends, but for a significant number of our most vulnerable young people it is the only space where they feel free to build lasting and supportive relationships, learn skills and develop confidence that they will rely on as they move from education to work or start families of their own.
Nick Fleming, OYT Scotland’s Chief Executive said, “We welcome the support of the Scottish Government to help develop the partnership between The Prince’s Trust and Ocean Youth Trust Scotland. By working together we have the capacity to help many more young people across Scotland realise their true potential. We see a dramatic change in young people after just a few days aboard; The Prince’s Trust provides ongoing support to help these young people make the most of their sail training experience and move into positive destinations.”