BLUE SPIRIT - UK
Blue Spirit enables young people (aged 14 to 25) who are experiencing a mental health challenge or facing social / economic disadvantage to go sailing.
Based in North East England, Blue Spirit enables young people (aged 14 to 25) who are experiencing a mental health challenge or facing social / economic disadvantage to learn sailing. Otherwise sailing would remain an exclusive activity beyond the reach of them.
The project was started by Solen Lees in memory of her son Laury Gratiet who loved sailing but died tragically young.
Through their sailing partners, Blue Spirit offers anything between half-day dinghy sailing, weekend sails and 6-day residential voyages. Participants don’t need any experience or special gear to participate – just some enthusiasm, an open mind and a willingness to engage in healthy outdoor physical activity in all weathers.
The project has proven in a small amount of time how significant the positive impacts can be on many young people where their levels of anxiety and depression, low self-esteem and lack of direction in life have been affecting them deeply.
SD Britain has supported the project in establishing itself in a challenging environment when funding for young people's services has been reduced drastically.
We are pleased to witness that 2025 has been Blue Spirit's biggest yet in terms of the number of young people reached. It’s also a year in which they have had some compelling evidence about their long-term impact on young people.
A counsellor from one of their partner youth groups gave this testimonial:
"Without what you have done then there would potentially be two less wonderful young people here. You are making a difference and these are real examples of real young people you may well have saved through your work.”