Smooth sailing for reformed young offenders

A North East charity has helped a group of youngsters turn their lives around through its innovative sail training scheme.

Ocean Youth Trust North East (OYT NE) joined forces with the Safe in Tees Valley Intensive Intervention Project which aims to address the problems of youth offending and antisocial behaviour in Teesside.

A group of 10 young people aged between 13 and 16 were enrolled on the six-month-long project over a year ago. They were encouraged to make changes in their lives, learn how to control antisocial behaviour and make better use of their time.

As part of the course the youngsters took part in a three day sail training expedition on the OYT NE yacht, James Cook. Whilst aboard, they learnt the importance of responsible leadership and how to pull together as a team. Acquiring these new skills and discovering their own capabilities also increased the youngster’s self-esteem and confidence.

Since finishing the project, all members of the group have returned to school and eight of the 10 have maintained a clean record, against a usual success rate of only 20 per cent.

Harry Cockerill, 14 from Pallister, Middlesbrough, was one of the young people involved in the project. He said: “Learning to sail was great, I worked with the team for a while and learnt lots of new things. I am back in school now and have stopped making trouble on the streets because I know how my behaviour can affect myself and others. When we went sailing I met new friends and I really liked working with the staff.”

Steve Lennon, General Manager of OYT NE, said: “I am thrilled about the effect the whole project has had - it really shows the positive impact expeditions like this have on young people. It is not necessary to have any previous sailing experience to make the most of these trips; it’s all about what you learn on the way. Learning to sail can increase confidence and self-awareness and can open doors to further education or a new career.”

Peter Clark, Safe in Tees Valley Locality Lead for Middlesbrough, said: “Following the progress of the group throughout the project has been an incredible experience. It has been wonderful to see their attitudes change as they become more aware of the consequences of their behaviour on themselves and other people.

“The voyage with OYT NE had a really positive effect on the youngsters. They were challenged with something completely new and taken out of their comfort zone, but were left with an incredible sense of achievement at the end of it all. The whole experience has helped them to change their lives and utilise their potential.”

OYT NE specialises in the personal development of young people through Adventure under Sail on their purpose built vessel James Cook. They work with young people between the ages of 12 to 25 helping them to escape the challenges they face at home to become part of a real team. The young people develop their life skills by using their sailing experience as a tool. It can build up their self esteem and develop their awareness of the needs of others. Most activities onboard James Cook can be cross referenced to the School curriculum.

If you are interested in learning more about Ocean Youth Trust North East or would like to book a sailing trip, email Rachel at