Last year we took 1,287 young people on transformational voyages that challenged, inspired and empowered them.
Of these, 82% came from disadvantaged backgrounds.
This year our mission is to increase our reach so that we can support more young people, living in the most deprived parts of the UK, but we simply cannot do it alone.
Can you contribute to our Young Person’s Bursary Programme today, and help change more young lives at sea?
The young people we support are facing enormous challenges including poverty, struggles with mental and physical health, difficulties with mainstream education, caring responsibilities, and even abusive home environments.
The one thing they all have in common; they do not have the same chances in life as their peers.
This is where TSYT can help. We lift them out of their daily environment and into a completely new environment where they can develop confidence, self-esteem and skills that will set them up for the future. The impact is incredible.
Our three-voyage programme of Exploration, Empowerment and Leadership supports young people on their journey to adulthood, equipping them with the life skills, social skills and self-esteem needed to realise their true potential and make better life choices.
Following a TSYT voyage, 95% of our young people return home with increased confidence and self-esteem.
But we can’t do this alone. Our bursary programme ensures that no young person is turned away due to financial barriers.
Your donation today will help a young person access this life-changing opportunity.
Alex has autism. He spent most of his childhood in specialist schools, where he explains he felt free and safe to be himself. However, as Alex became more self-aware, he started to feel different and began masking his autism, hiding who he really was to fit in, leading to isolation, anxiety, and a loss of confidence.
Alex felt exhausted, and told us:
“I struggled with interpersonal skills like socialising and communicating effectively, especially as I have a slight processing delay. This resulted in me becoming anxious in unfamiliar environments and social situations, which badly impacted my confidence and self-esteem”.
Thanks to the support of his parents and school, Alex was introduced to Tall Ships Youth Trust. In 2024, he completed work experience with us and, despite his anxieties, embarked on his first ever voyage — his longest time away from home without his parents.
The moment Alex stepped on board he felt welcomed. He discovered resilience he never knew he had, developed teamwork, problem-solving skills and independence. Most importantly, he found belief in himself.
Since then, Alex has taken part in a voyage of Empowerment; the second part of our three-voyage journey, and is booked to do an eleven-night voyage to the Bay of Biscay. He is now working towards becoming a volunteer Watch Leader, so that he can support other young people. He also has plans to go to University.
“Before TSYT, University was not on my radar. Now I’m excited for the future.”
Your donation today will help more young people, just like Alex, begin their TSYT journey, giving them hope of a brighter future.
Please give what you can – thank you.
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