We are truly thrilled to announce that Ocean Youth Trust Scotland has been awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service‘s Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Volunteering Award.
This prestigious award recognises 20 national charities whose work empowers young people aged 16-25, and who have volunteers at the heart of their operations. For OYT Scotland, this recognises the long-term commitment and support of our 200+ volunteers who work tirelessly both on and off-shore to provide transformative experiences to young people.
With the help of our volunteers, we support over 600 young people from across Scotland each year by providing exciting, inspiring and challenging residential sailing voyages for young people aged 12-25. On board, they learn all aspects of sailing the boat which requires them to embrace the value of team work, responsibility, resilience and communication. In turn, their confidence increases and they learn invaluable life and social skills.
The Trust would not exist without a dedicated volunteer base both on and off the water. The highly
skilled sailing volunteers work tirelessly on board the Trust’s two 70ft yachts to provide dynamic youth
work on the waves, engaging with young people from a range of backgrounds including young carers,
care experienced young people and those at risk of engaging in the criminal justice system. On shore,
Ocean Youth Trust Scotland’s committed volunteers help to fundraise, and build the Trusts profile,
and also provide office support.
Lucie Aitkenhead, Chair of Ocean Youth Trust Scotland said, “we are absolutely delighted to receive
this prestigious award recognising the hard work and dedication of our volunteers. They are the
backbone of our organisation, without whom we would not be able to deliver our life changing youth
work at sea.”
Hazel Wiseman, General Manager commented, “our volunteers were once again outstanding in
supporting us throughout the pandemic. Thank you to everyone for continuing to support us all here
at OYT Scotland.”
Thank you to all our volunteers for the invaluable support – you are truly changing lives.