Tall Ships Youth Trust and Thames Valley Police partnership
This autumn, Tall Ships Youth Trust and Thames Valley Police partnership allowed us to bring transformative power to 40 young people from Milton Keynes, creating memories and building skills that will last a lifetime.
Community-Focused Initiative with Thames Valley Police
The initiative was built on a foundation of community-focused policing. Thames Valley Police identified Milton Keynes as a key area for this project due to its isolated nature and to help mitigate the risks of exploitation and disadvantage faced by some of its young people.
They also worked directly with four local schools, Stantonbury School, Milton Keynes Academy, Shenley Brook End School, and Lord Grey Academy entrusting the schools’ Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) to select young people who would benefit most from the unique challenges and rewards of a voyage at sea.
The selected students, identified as young carers, those at risk of exploitation, or those facing significant disadvantage, were chosen for this life-changing adventure on board our Challengers. For many, it was their first time seeing the sea or being away from home.
Helping Milton Keynes Young People Discover Their Potential with TYST
Sailing alongside the young people and sharing watches, a police officer from Thames Valley Police joined each voyage as part of the crew. They took part in all activities and helped strengthen vital links between the force and the community in a positive, shared environment.
For everyone on board, it was a week of firsts.
Life at Sea: In Their Words
From the moment they slipped the lines in Portsmouth, the young crews were fully immersed in the adventure. In fact, their own voyage blogs tell the story of resilience and discovery better than we ever could.
They didn’t just learn to sail; they became a true crew. The young people took the helm, with one young person from Milton Keynes Academy noting that “Daisy steered into the dock from mid sea.” Together, they battled the elements. A Stantonbury sailor wrote, “The boat kept tipping to the sides.”
But they persevered. As a result, they learnt the “cool names of knots” and discovered the immense satisfaction of working as a team. “We worked extremely hard as a team and began to feel like a family together,” shared a voyager from Stantonbury.
A defining moment for many was the mast climb. The Milton Keynes Academy young people captured the triumph: “We all had an opportunity to climb the mast! Ollie was the first… and he went all the way to the top!”
Life Below Deck at Tall Ships Youth Trust
Below deck, they took on galley duties. For some, it was the first time they had ever cooked or washed up. They prepared everything from fajitas and more during their time on board.
Celebrating Achievement on Shore
However, the voyage didn’t end when they returned to shore. The Tall Ships Youth Trust and Thames Valley Police partnership culminated in a special awards ceremony at Milton Keynes Academy, attended by Chief Constable Jason Hogg and Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber. The event brought all four schools and crews together to receive certificates, awards, and celebrate an incredible achievement for each of them.
Recognising Environmental Awareness
The voyage experience also had a strong environmental focus. All crews discovered how environmental awareness is as important offshore as it is on land. Furthermore, we were delighted that Milton Keynes Academy received the Thames Valley Environmental Award for their outstanding commitment to sustainability during the voyage. They planned meals to reduce waste and explored energy-saving ideas.
Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber reflected on the impact, stating:
“Providing opportunities to disadvantaged or vulnerable young people can make a huge difference to those individuals and their communities. It can empower young people with the confidence to realise their potential and in some cases, change the course of their lives.”
He added:
“I’m pleased to be able to support this initiative with Tall Ships Youth Trust through the Community Fund (funded through the Police Property Act) and to have the opportunity today to meet some of the young people benefitting from this transformative experience.”
Looking Forward
We are incredibly proud of every young person who embraced this challenge. They navigated more than just the south coast — they navigated new friendships, personal fears, and discovered strengths they never knew they had. A huge thank you to Thames Valley Police for making it all possible. This is what happens when we work together to create opportunities that truly change lives.
Inspired by the Tall Ships Youth Trust and Thames Valley Police partnership? Discover how you can support our mission to help more young people discover their potential.
