The CACT Hedley Foundation Get Afloat programme supported local young men from Stonepillow’s Recovery programme, offering them the chance to enjoy activities in Chichester Harbour.
This initiative aimed to build transferable life skills, such as self-confidence, resilience and teamwork. For many years, we have partnered with Stonepillow, a registered charity in Chichester that empowers homeless individuals to transform their lives. Our collaboration with Stonepillow allows us to reach vulnerable groups in our community and extend the benefits of outdoor engagement to those in need.
Participants visited Cobnor twice a week for four weeks from September to October, engaging in activities like keelboat sailing, kayaking and powerboating (the most popular activity). When weather kept them off the water, they enjoyed climbing, bushcraft and archery. Each session concluded with a hot lunch alongside Cobnor staff to foster connections and create a welcoming, social atmosphere.
There is no doubt that this opportunity will make a significant difference for a few people, and that makes it all worthwhile. We are immensely grateful to Cobnor and the Hedley Foundation.
– Debbie Jupe
Head of Partnerships, Communications and Fundraising Stonepillow
There is no doubt that this opportunity will make a significant difference for a few people, and that makes it all worthwhile. We are immensely grateful to Cobnor and the Hedley Foundation.
Attendance and Adaptability
Seven clients enrolled each week. However, challenges emerged in providing consistent attendance, as some participants face chaotic living situations. This issue was amplified by a tragic loss within the Recovery Service community during the second week. Together with support staff, we used this experience to emphasise the importance of reliability, which led to improved attendance as the programme progressed.
Positive Feedback
Charlie from the Bognor Recovery Service shared that participants returned each week with enthusiasm, eager to share their positive experiences. The provision of a minibus, funded through the programme, was particularly valued. Debbie remarked, “There is no doubt that this opportunity will make a significant difference for a few people, and that makes it all worthwhile. We are immensely grateful to Cobnor and the Hedley Foundation.”
Lasting Impact
Two regular attendees, T and B, noted the enjoyment they felt on the water and in meeting new friends. T shared, “I am now exploring volunteering opportunities at Cobnor or nearby. This experience showed me how much I enjoy working with people and being outdoors.”
Programme Benefits and Future Outlook
Caroline Fisk, our Education Development Manager, observed, “Having Stonepillow clients participate in our activities has been immensely rewarding for our staff and apprentices, who enjoyed building connections with participants. Their twice-weekly visits over four weeks enabled these relationships to develop meaningfully.”
Overall, the 2024 Hedley Foundation Get Afloat programme was a success, especially for two dedicated attendees. One expressed interest in joining our volunteer programme, and both asked to participate again next year. We are actively seeking funding to continue our partnership with Stonepillow to ensure that more clients can access these life-enriching opportunities.
In response to participants’ interest, we hope to provide First Aid at Work and Powerboat 2 qualifications in the future, enhancing their skills and job readiness.
Thank you to the Hedley Foundation for making this life-changing opportunity possible.
Fill Impact Report can be found here.
