Clients from our Homeless Service were delighted to experience an uplifting day out on the water thanks to the Ocean Well Being Project.
The project brings together marine conservation and positive social outreach to make a difference to the local environment and the lives of participants.
As part of this project, a number of our clients were kindly invited to participate in a water-based session with local charity Clean Ocean Sailing on the River Fal near Trelissick House. This involved rowing a traditional wooden boat, kayaking, canoeing and wild swimming alongside activities with a positive environmental impact such as beach cleaning and processing marine plastics for recycling and repurposing.
Through participation in challenging outdoor activities, working as a team, the project aims to build self-confidence and a sense of achievement.
The beach cleans allow for a deeper understanding of the causes and consequences of human impact on our marine environment and the importance of preserving the marine ecosystem. The workshops provide practical tools and a greater understanding of the benefits of physical activity, time spent in nature, interpersonal relationships and having a sense of purpose along with coping skills to take away, making a lasting difference in participants' lives.
The activities are attended throughout by two environmental enthusiasts who are water sports instructors plus a qualified therapist and facilitator, Sarah MacQueen, to make sure everyone feels fully supported during their experience.
A really good time was had by all and everyone left feeling good about themselves and with each other. One client said: “I would like to do this every day, I feel good about myself when I am on the water doing physical exercise plus I’m helping to do my bit by cleaning the river from plastic and toxic waste. It's hard to see the debris from the shore but when you are in your kayak and close up it’s really easy to spot.”
There is no doubt our clients will happily return soon to help clean the River Fal some more with the help and support from Clean Ocean Sailing. We are incredibly grateful to them for providing this worthwhile activity!