When an individual suffers a life changing accident or event, there are many kinds of activities that can be used to enhance and promote positive lifestyle and inclusion rather than exclusion. Rehabilitation can at times focus on the physical aspect rather than having a holistic approach.
Kirsty Lydeard from Chesil Sailability talks to us about what the charity offers and how they assist those who have a disability and those with severe learning difficulties to take part in a fulfilling activity and how the charity operates. They have over 200 Sailability groups across the UK.
Founded in 2013, with inspiration from the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics, we are based at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy and this year saw our 10th Anniversary.
Chesil Sailability offers weekly sailing sessions from the beginning of May through to the end of September, weather permitting. We are a wholly volunteer run organisation which depends on fundraising for it’s existence. Sailing sessions are available to anyone, regardless of their disability, using our 5 Hansa 303 accessible dinghies and 4 Hawk 20, keelboats. The boats cater for both the more independent sailor and for those who may need the support of carers. They are mainly crewed by our volunteers but sailors are encouraged to participate in a variety of ways from enjoying a relaxing, stress free sail to actively participating and attaining awards in the RYA Sailability Scheme.
Some of our sailors have learned to sail independently and we have a small race team who regularly take part in race events at locations across the country.
Sailors range in age from 8 – 80+, from physically mobile to wheelchair users, academically able to those with severe learning difficulties, independent to sailing with support from carers. Being based at WPNSA allows us to use their wonderful facilities, including the hoists on the pontoons to facilitate access to the boats.
Our sailors are individuals, they tell us sailing meets many different needs, among them a sense of fulfillment, achievement, freedom, exhilaration but also fun, friendship, peace and countless other emotions – especially when the dolphins pay us a visit!
Most of our sailors come to us through ‘Word of Mouth’ recommendations but also through support and therapy groups, such as Stroke rehabilitation and through local GP’s using the NHS ‘Social Prescribing’ initiative. We also offer fortnightly sessions to Day Groups in the local area which support people in our community with a variety of needs.
If you are interested in finding out more, sailing or volunteering with us please visit our website www.chesil sailability.org.uk (updating in progress!) or email secretary@chesilsailbility.org.uk
There are over 200 Sailability groups across the UK, each runs on an individual basis. To find out more go to:
https://www.rya.org.uk/start-boating/sailability/new-sailors/find-the-right-venue
Local links :
https://www.jurassiccoastpcn.nhs.uk/social-prescribing
Day Groups :
Ridgeway Plus : https://www.helpandkindness.co.uk/service/263/Ridgeway-Plus-–-specialist-learning-disability-service
Muntsy’s : https://www.muntsys.org/
Stability4U : https://stability4u.com
Care Dorset :https://www.dorsetabilitiesgroup.co.uk/
