A voyage of recovery for early intervention in psychosis crew

A crew of service users and staff from the Trust’s early intervention in psychosis (EIP) teams are preparing to set sail around the British Isles to support young people’s mental health.

On 26 July fifteen service users and staff will get aboard sailing ship ‘Faramir’ to circumnavigate the British Isles through a relay of crews of young people with serious mental health conditions. A total of 10 crews from EIP teams from all over the UK are taking part.

The South West Yorkshire crew will sail up the east coast, setting off from Tower Bridge in London.

Moggie McGowan, who has been coordinating our Trust’s crew, said: “It’s an exciting challenge!  Sailing long distances involves physical effort and teamwork; learning how to navigate as well as cooking, cleaning and everyday boat maintenance.   We are also very interested in the idea that ‘adventure therapy’ can help people recover from serious mental illness.

“Our aim is to support young people and their mental health, and to evaluate the impact of the activity on their health and recovery.  By providing a radically different environment in which to develop confidence, new skills, engage in physical activity and explore a fresh perspective on life, we aim to address factors which can keep people stuck in difficult life situations – and in services.”

The voyage is organised by the Cirdan Trust, a sailing charity whose aim is to provide disadvantaged young people with the opportunity for self-development through sailing. The cost of the voyage is £12,000 per leg, half of which is funded by the Cirdan Trust.  The rest has to be raised by the crew.  The Trust’s charity EyUp! has also given generous support. If you would like to support the team, visit their JustGiving page.