Hear about the impact of our youth work on the waves directly from young people.
Liam’s Story
What was your situation before joining Ocean Youth Trust Scotland?
I had charges for vandalism, breaking and entering and racial abuse. Every weekend I was ‘on it’ drinking.
Where I live it’s mental with the stuff that goes on. For a young guy it’s a hard place to grow up. At lot of my pals are full of drugs and I plan to get out of it as soon as I can.
What did you gain from your voyage?
The big changes for me is that I am not as awkward around people I don’t know and have more confidence and belief in myself. I am better behaved, and I’ve learned to persist if I come up with something I’m not sure about. I never listened to people, I was always on my phone and not having my phone and being away from the world I was used to calmed me down and I really enjoyed that.
What else did you enjoy about sailing?
I also enjoyed the physical work. It kept me busy, helped me focus and got rid of a lot of tension.
Did anything change after your voyage?
When I got back, I said to myself that I had to mature up and get my head together. My mum has noticed that I am trying and said she’s proud of me. Because of that I am getting a bit more leeway and I just need to keep it up.
I have just been accepted for a 6-week employability course and the experience and the things I learned on OTY Scotland helped me with the interview.
Keira’s Story
What was your situation before joining Ocean Youth Trust Scotland?
I became a Young Carer almost 5 years ago when my little sister was born. She was 8 weeks early and had renal kidney failure and underdeveloped lungs. My mum spoke to my sisters and I about possibly joining the local young carers group. I struggled at school with friends and I didn’t want to join another group where I would be alone, but I joined and after meeting a few of the staff I was made to feel incredibly welcome and since then I know that joining was one of the best things I’ve ever done.
When my little sister is not well there’s a lot more to do, my usual plan for the day is just try and help as much as I can, usually since my mum and dad have a lot on their plate. Sometimes it’s difficult, especially when she’s in hospital, everyone needs to step up and take on a few extra roles which can be overwhelming sometimes. On an emotional side it’s more difficult, finding time to speak to my mum if something’s on my mind is hard enough without the added factor of everything my little sister needs, it took me 4 months to pluck up the courage to tell her I was having issues in school because I was worried I was wasting her time.
What did you gain from your voyage?
The OYT Scotland sail was one of the best experiences of my life, the only other boat I had been on was a ferry for 30mins so I was nervous to say the least. I feel quite new in the Young Carers group so there were a lot of people I hadn’t met before, but within a few hours it felt like I had known them my entire life. It’s hard to describe what an experience the sail was as at times – it was so hard, I was tired, grumpy and even seasick. But other times I was having the time of my life, sailing the boat, being out in the fresh air and rain and having such a laugh with everyone on board.
Did anything change after your voyage?
Being friends with other young carers is so much easier than being friends with other people my age, they don’t understand what it’s like to have to go through these things. Sometimes it’s nice to have a break from your caring role but each young carer I have met has turned into a great friendship because no matter what you’re going through, you can bet they’ve gone through it too. Before I joined the Young Carers, I was worried what people were going to think of me and tried to avoid speaking about it as much as possible, but now I’m so proud to be a young carer, it’s a part of who I am. I would recommend anyone to go on the OYT sail if they get the chance as it’s something I will remember for the rest of my life.
Jack’s Parents’ Story
What was life like before engaging with Ocean Youth Trust Scotland?
My son was having to be home-schooled due to being bullied at school. With the added pressure of lockdown during covid this added to his anxieties and mental health. He was keen to get out there and live life but due to his confidence being low, our finances and being so rural, this was very difficult as a family to find a safe, guided adventure. He was lonely which was heart breaking for us and that’s when we found OYT.
What did your young person gain from a voyage with OYT Scotland?
He gained a sense of adventure, of meeting new people and realising that he was capable of doing anything he applied himself too.
What did they most enjoy about sailing?
He loved the travelling and meeting new people.
Did anything change after the voyage?
He appeared more confident and spoke more freely to people. He was keen to try other adventures and travel and see more of the world. Also being keen to pursue his besom training.
Without the assisted berth scheme my son simply couldn’t have gone on his voyage. We are a low-income family, I live with M.S. and it can be hard finding the money or help to give everything to your child that they deserve. My son is amazing and deserves the same opportunities and chances as the next child. The scheme made the difference between him going or not going.