Ocean Youth Trust Norths first as delivery partner for Princes Trust

The Prince’s Trust has appointed Ocean Youth Trust North as its first ‘sailing’ delivery partner for its ‘Get Started’ programme in the North © Ocean Youth Trust North

The UK’s leading youth development charity, the Prince’s Trust has appointed North Shields based sail training charity Ocean Youth Trust North (OYT North) as its first ‘sailing’ delivery partner for its ‘Get Started’ programme in the North.

The ‘Get Started’ programme, which is open to UK residents, aged 16-25 and who are unemployed aims to help participants develop new skills, build confidence, increase motivation and gives them the chance to gain a qualification whilst making new friends.

The partnership between OYT North and the Prince’s Trust will see two groups of 12 young people undertake a five day voyage along the North East coast this summer aboard James Cook, the charity’s specially designed yacht.

On board under the guidance of Skipper Grace Metcalfe, participants will become part of the working crew and will learn how to navigate, set the sails and take the helm while taking responsibility for all the cooking and cleaning. During their voyage they will develop personal skills, such as teamwork, leadership, communication and problem-solving.

Commenting on their appointment as a delivery partner, Steve Lennon, General Manager of the OYT North said, “We’re absolutely thrilled to work in partnership with the Prince’s Trust as their first ‘sailing’ provider in the North for ‘Get Started’.

“Young people from schools, colleges, youth groups, local authorities and a whole host of charitable organisations across the North have been benefiting from our sailing development programmes for many years and we’re elated that we’ll soon be welcoming young people from the Prince’s Trust on board, teaching them new skills and giving them the confidence to secure their future employment.”

The planned voyages for summer 2012 will focus on targeting unemployed young people between the ages of 16 and 19 years, with the first voyage consisting of a crew from Hartlepool and Middlesbrough, and the second from Newcastle.

Judith Stothard, Head of Programmes, Prince’s Trust said, “We are delighted to welcome Ocean Youth Trust North as a delivery partner of the Prince’s Trust and look forward to working together to develop some exciting opportunities for young people.”

Ocean Youth Trust North specialises in the personal and social development of young people through the unique medium of Adventure under Sail. It offers safe but exhilarating residential experiences to young people, helping them to discover more about themselves and the world whilst learning new skills.

For further information about Ocean Youth Trust North please visit www.sailjamescook.com If you would like to book a sailing trip or request further information please email or phone Rachel in the office on 0191 257 1212.

For further information regarding the Prince’s Trust ‘Get Started’ programme call 0800 842 842 or visit www.princes-trust.org.uk