Greenock youth work charity, Ocean Youth Trust Scotland, has been awarded a £19,000 grant from the Scottish Children’s Lottery.
Ocean Youth Trust Scotland supports young people from disadvantaged backgrounds by providing exciting, inspiring and challenging sailing voyages to boost confidence, nurture life and social skills and encourage teamwork.
Supporting more than 700 young people each year, the charity provides life changing sailing journeys along the coastline of Scotland, lasting up to seven days, where young people learn to steer, navigate, change sails and explore their environment, all under the guidance of highly skilled staff.
The challenge provides an exciting and effective environment which helps young people to recognise the benefits of change, with the demanding work and the often unpredictable nature of sailing inspiring self-esteem, resilience and personal responsibility.
With the help of the Scottish Children’s Lottery, the charity will be able to support over 120 young people from disadvantaged backgrounds across Scotland, including young carers, care experienced individuals and young people with additional support needs.
Nick Fleming, Chief Executive Officer for Ocean Youth Trust Scotland, said: “We are extremely grateful for the support from Scottish Children’s Lottery, which means we can continue to support Scotland’s most disadvantaged young people in realising their full potential.
“These life-changing voyages will furnish young people with new life skills and academic qualifications, while boosting their confidence through an unforgettable experience – not only increasing their employability but meaning they can make a greater contribution to society.”
The Scottish Children’s Lottery was launched in October 2016 to raise money for children in Scotland, with proceeds helping to improve the lives of children right across the country and make a real difference to those who need it most.
Trustee Alan Eccles represents Chance to Succeed, which operates as a society lottery under the Scottish Children’s Lottery. Chance to Succeed supports projects that focus on employability and employment skills, helping to deliver a productive future for our young people.
Alan Eccles said: “Chance to Succeed believes that every young person in Scotland deserves a chance to be seen, prove themselves and forge a successful career for themselves. By supporting Ocean Youth Trust Scotland we hope to help deliver a productive future for our young people.
“Thank you to those who play the Scottish Children’s Lottery – you are helping to support the great work that our charities undertake.”