Cobnor Activities Centre announces its 2025 Social Impact Report.
In 2025 Cobnor Activities Centre supported 2,246 state school pupils of whom 38% were eligible for Free School Meals (FSM).
In addition, our 2025 funded programmes supported a further 617 young people who would otherwise have missed out on these life-changing experiences. Many face barriers such as financial hardship, social isolation, caring responsibilities or being in the care system.
For children whose daily lives can feel uncertain or overwhelming, Cobnor provides a place to have fun, laugh and feel safe; often for the first time in months. By combining joy with challenge, we help young people rediscover confidence, resilience and belief in themselves.
Why the focus on outdoor activities?
Founded on a legacy of youth sailing begun by Martin Beale in the 1950s, Cobnor Activities helps young people discover their potential through adventure. Our focus is on high-quality, educational and enjoyable outdoor activities to transform young people’s lives, across West Sussex and surrounding areas.
As an independent charity, we deliver accredited land and water-based programmes, including RYA Onboard, Sailability and Paddle-Ability. These activities develop teamwork, leadership and problem-solving skills while promoting well-being, connection and a sense of pride.
Working closely with schools and support organisations, we remove barriers so every participant can enjoy Chichester Harbour, build resilience and celebrate achievement.
Through Cobnor’s funded programmes, many disadvantaged and vulnerable individuals and groups gain access to sailing, paddling and adventure in Chichester Harbour.
Our Commitment
We believe every young person deserves the chance to thrive outdoors. Many funded programmes run during school holidays, when isolation and a lack of safe spaces place extra strain on disadvantaged families.
This year, collecting Free School Meal and Pupil Premium data highlighted significant need across our community. In response, we launched the Martin Beale Bursary Fund, ensuring cost is never a barrier to life-enhancing outdoor education.
Overall Impact
Our funded programmes not only change lives but also strengthen the charity by filling low-footfall months. They also inspire our instructors and volunteers through meaningful work to transform young lives. This collaboration enables us to extend the benefits of outdoor activities to vulnerable members of our community.
In 2025*, we supported a total of 2,863 state school pupils and disadvantaged young people. Read the full report here:
“Since Saturday I have been reliving the day in my mind. I was able to put my visual impairment aside and experience freedom and speed under my own control.”
Participant, RYA Level 1 Sailing Course
100% of Cobnor’s funded programmes support disadvantaged young people
“I learn that I can have fun”
A powerful reflection of this year’s funded programmes from a 12 year old participant.
- 83% arrived feeling anxious
- 53% worried about not coping
- 88% had a lot of fun
- 86% said the water made them feel happy or calm
- 63% learned not never give up
- 79% felt more confident making new friends
One parent of a local 14 year old said “My son has come home with a huge smile after meeting new friends and having such a positive experience.”
Looking to 2026 Cobnor seeks to:
- Deliver the Young Helms Programme with majority of bookings already confirmed
- Provide alternative provision via West Sussex and Hampshire County Councils as well as registered alternative providers
- Offer weekly wellbeing and team-building sessions to Women Support Group from Sanctuary, Chichester
- Host VICTA Family Fun Day and Young Achievers Day for blind and visually impaired individuals
- Fund four Duke of Edinburgh places for disadvantaged young people
- Support the Martin Beale Bursary Fund with contributions from St James Place Foundation
- Secure further funding for accessible and inclusive programmes to help our local disadvantaged and marginalised pupils
- Continue to grow the RYA Onboard programme
The Case Studies in the full report demonstrate how CACT’s supportive and inclusive environment enables young people to overcome personal challenges, build confidence and experience the joy and achievement of learning a new skill.
