Foundation students to sail on a ‘mental health voyage’

Foundation students at Coleg Sir Gâr are preparing to sail on a ‘mental health voyage’ on the Challenge Wales ship which is a trip that focusses on improving young people’s mental health.

The ship will sail from Penarth and return to dock after a day of activities at sea where students will meet new people, take part in outdoor activities and gain the Agored Cymru accreditation in teamwork.

This trip, which will take place at the end of March, was inspired by foundation student Daniel Evans who sailed on the same ship last summer, taking on an experience of life at sea (see pictures).

Taking part in a week-long adventure, sailing the coastal route from Plymouth and docking in Padstow, Daniel experienced all things nautical including climbing the mast to attend to the sail and being on anchor watch.

He gained independence skills travelling alone to Plymouth to take on the experience and soon got to know the crew and the other people taking part.

Daniel decided because of his love and knowledge of boats and following a recently application to volunteer with his local RNLI shop, he is hoping in the future he is hoping to apply to be a crew volunteer.

Tanya Knight, Foundation lecturer at Coleg Sir Gâr said: “Dan has inspired us all to take on the mental health voyage following his experience.

“We are thoroughly looking forward to it and the students will gain so much from taking part.”

Daniel Evans added: “This was one of the best things I’ve ever done and I think it’s a really good experience to have for my ambition to volunteer for the RNLI.

“I really enjoyed visiting the different ports, learning about the ship and about all the safety aspects such as what to do in an emergency and looking after crew and passengers.”

The Foundation students will also be working on a water safety campaign at the end of March.