“The little diaries we got given help me me express myself through writing.”
Nicky, Voyage on FaramirJuly 2016
“A young person has smiled so much – he gets bullied at school and needs a safe place to grow.”
Pam, Voyage on FaramirSeptember 2016
“The young people we have brought have grown so much over the week. Although the change may look small to others, we see the full journey they are on from self confidence to independence. This is massive!”
Alisha, Voyage on FaramirSeptember 2016
“I achieved a lot more than I thought I ever would and I gained a lot more independence and self confidence.”
Seb, Voyage on FaramirOctober 2016
“One boy had refused to do anything from the start and wanted to go home. Guidance and reassurance from the skipper enabled him to leave his comfort zone and steer the vessel for a long time.”
Sarva, Voyage on FaramirApril 2018
‘Getting the team to learn to work together was a highlight of the voyage. The young people have worked hard and improved. But they took time to actually realise their opportunity.’
Lana, Voyage on FaramirApril 2018
‘It was a great experience and perfect environment to learn new skills and to learn how to work as a team.’
Seven, Voyage on FaramirApril 2018
‘I liked the fact that we could be independent and get on with challenges and be allowed to make choices that we think are best.’
Kurtis, Voyage on FaramirMay 2018
‘I liked the fact that I didn’t have to rely on technology to have fun.’
D. Bringloe, Voyage on FaramirJune 2018
‘ The sailing residential gives the opportunity for young people to be out of their comfort zone, learn how to deal with being in a different/difficult environment, which will greatly improve their independence.’
Tyrel, Voyage on FaramirAugust 2018
‘The boat is really safe and the skipper makes sure of it. Also its good for people that haven’t done a lot of sailing. It gives them a chance to experience it and show the skills.’
Matthew, Voyage on FaramirJuly 2016
“I thought the experience was very eye opening and life changing.”
Christina, Voyage on FaramirJuly 2016
“A student on the autistic spectrum amazed us with his ability to adapt to such a different environment. The youngest in our group overcame homesickness and dependence on parents.”
Shelagh, Voyage on FaramirJune 2016
“The young people have developed domestic skills including cooking and cleaning.”
Adam, Voyage on FaramirJune 2016
“Anger management has improved.”
Ben, Voyage on FaramirJune 2016
“I learnt how to be more independent.”
Abi, Voyage on FaramirJune 2016
“I’ve learnt to trust other people in situations where I thought I wouldn’t”
Nigel, Voyage on FaramirJune 2016
“The students have had their eyes opened to possibilities and experiences that they hadn’t known possible.”
Ben, Voyage on FaramirJune 2016
“I learnt how to navigate, how to helm, how to use and pull a sail up, how a mast is held up and how the engine works.”
Lindell, Voyage on FaramirJune 2016
“It was one of the most valuable lessons of my life.”
Elizabeth, Voyage on FaramirJuly 2016
“The residential has increased learning relationships between staff and learners”
Rebecca, Voyage on FaramirJuly 2016
“It has made me appreciate daily life more and it’s made me feel grateful about what I have.”
Mackenzie, Voyage on FaramirJuly 2016
“We got to run the boat and do everything for ourselves.”
Nicky, Voyage on FaramirAugust 2018
‘The sailing voyage provides a new and very different environment that is a great ‘leveler’ and allows people to take on new roles and permission to be different from the person they are at home.’
Henry, Duke of Edinburgh Voyage on FaramirAugust 2018
‘The trust that the sea staff put in us to get it right was inspiring. Their expectations were always high which pushed us to push ourselves.’
Annabelle, Duke of Edinburgh Voyage on FaramirSeptember 2018
‘I liked the last two days that were spent working as a team, using the skills learned from the previous days. Everyone was happy and taking part, we worked really well as a team and everyone was doing a role that they were confident in.’
Ryan, Voyage on Queen GaladrielMay 2019
“What I liked the most about the voyage was managing personal and shared responsibilities. Also having the chance to disconnect from everyday life.”
Will, Voyage on Queen GaladrielMay 2019
“The residential offered the young people new life skills that could not be achieved in a regular classroom.”
Esmerelda, Voyage on Queen GaladrielMay 2019
“It was challenging at times, but it was really really fun.”
Laura, Voyage on Queen GaladrielJune 2019
“I think this is an incredible opportunity and perfect environment for learning. All young people should have the opportunity to challenge themselves and learn new skills in this way.”
Tanya, Voyage on Queen GaladrielJune 2019
“The crew made us feel so welcome and were so helpful, very professional, but were also able to have a laugh! They were also amazing with our young people and we can’t thank them enough.”
Cora, Voyage on Queen GaladrielJune 2019
“What I liked the most about the voyage was learning new skills and getting to know new people.”
Ainsely, Voyage on Queen GaladrielJune 2019
“What I liked the most about the voyage was being a team.”
Tom, Voyage on DuetApril 2019
“I think the young people have grown throughout the voyage and learnt how the deal with situations out of their control.”
Tahmid, Voyage on DuetApril 2019
“I liked that we all worked as a team and the help from the crew was amazing. I would come again if I have the opportunity.”
Fiona, Voyage on DuetApril 2019
“I enjoyed it much more that I through I would and I would do it again given the chance.”
Steven, Voyage on FaramirMay 2019
“The whole experience was fantastic and the staff on board were excellent. Very encouraging and always had a smile on their faces.”
Oliver, Voyage on FaramirMay 2019
“What I learnt from the experience was taking on a leadership role and being able to work with other crew members, even when I’m frustrated.”
Leanne, Voyage on Queen GaladrielJuly 2018
‘I enjoyed seeing new parts of the country and seeing students develop socially and personally.’
Christina, Voyage on Queen GaladrielJuly 2018
‘This has been a transformative experience for our students and we have enjoyed it immensely.’
Lydia, Voyage on Queen GaladrielJuly 2018
‘I learn that the world is bigger than you think. (and lots of sailing techniques)’
Sue, Voyage on Queen GaladrielAugust 2018
‘The best bit of sailing residential was the skills the young people learned and the opportunity to experience a totally new environment. Also to participate in activities with other young people in similar life situations.’
Sara, Voyage on Queen GaladrielOctober 2018
‘There are very few opportunities for teens to genuinely work with others, learn life skills and develop healthy independence from the current systems they’re used to.’
James, Voyage on Queen GaladrielOctober 2018
‘I learn’t a lot of things from the sailing trip. The best bits were all of the sailing things and parts of the boat, etc. More importantly, I picked up a lot from the crew about being positive and getting along with other people’
Holly, Duke of Edinburgh Voyage on Queen GaladrielOctober 2018
‘Thank you – absolutely brilliant. Really fab how everyone’s skills were used and we were able to achieve different levels of knowledge.’
Kelly, Voyage on FaramirApril 2019
Highlight of the week was the group working as a team and supporting each other through the week.
Bill, Voyage on FaramirApril 2019
“This trip has managed to forge new relationships with the young people and to see them develop themselves has been absolutely amazing.”
Keely, Voyage on FaramirApril 2019
“The things I loved most about the experience were learning new skills and being able to find confidence in myself and knowing my knowledge can go further than what I think.”
James, Voyage on DuetMay 2019
“A great experience overall for all our students. I look forward to future voyages.”
Shaun, Voyage on FaramirApril 2016
“Experienced the craziest adrenaline buzz ever in my life.”
Marlene, Voyage on FaramirApril 2015
“I learnt how to control myself around other people and how to be prepared for anything”
Ricky, Voyage on DuetAugust 2015
“Overall an outstanding trip and a great opportunity for the young people to develop and grow”
Chrissy, Voyage on DuetAugust 2015
“Many of the opportunities and skills learnt by the young people are transferable i.e. budgeting, teamwork and perseverance. The crew really motivated the young people and continued to give positive recognition through the whole voyage”
Michael, Voyage on FaramirSeptember 2015
“There is no greater way to test the young people’s limits with significant success”
Ashley, Voyage on Queen GaladrielSeptember 2015
“I loved it and wished the trip was longer!”
Dylan, Voyage on FaramirOctober 2015
“The Voyage helped me overcome my fear of the sea”
Andrew, Voyage on Queen GaladrielJune 2016
“The young people had never experienced anything like this before – the impact will be profound.”
Laura, Voyage on Queen GaladrielJune 2016
“Allows rapport and relationships to be developed to discus personal issues”
Leoci, Voyage on Queen GaladrielJune 2016
“It was amazing because it’s a good experience for young people, seeing dolphins is the best part.”
Megan, Voyage on Queen GaladrielJune 2016
“I’ve learnt how to take care of myself and believe in myself.”
Thomas, Voyage on Queen GaladrielJuly 2016
“Children with more severe learning difficulties really shone through!”
Corey, Voyage on DuetAugust 2015
“I couldn’t have asked for anything better”
Courtney, Voyage on FaramirAugust 2015
“I learnt how to be part of a team and to be more confident in what I am doing”
Nicholas, Voyage on DuetOctober 2015
“I learnt how to live with other people in a small space”
Annette, Voyage on Queen GaladrielApril 2015
“The voyage had an effect on me and the learners whether it was personal, social or academic. It has engaged our students in a way that I feel we could not have done back in school”
Jon, Voyage on Queen GaladrielApril 2015
“It made me feel like I was the Captain, in other words it was epic!”
Sophie, Voyage on DuetMay 2015
“I learnt to believe in myself and how to work as a team”
Caroline, Voyage on DuetMay 2015
“Every young person significantly benefitted from the experience, particularly with communication skills, understanding different cultures and learning to get along with one another. Fantastic experience!”
Kelly, Voyage on FaramirMay 2015
“One young person particularly benefitted from the experience as he came on the residential as a quiet young person, not wanting to attend school or be in large groups. He now attends school and a full timetable”
Bradley, Voyage on FaramirJuly 2015
“It allowed certain individuals to have an experience they wouldn’t normally get at home and a chance to make some valuable friendships. It has also impacted the students by learning new skills which they can take back to school”
Libby, Voyage on Queen GaladrielJuly 2015
“The young people will be left with lasting memories from this week that will remind them of all they have achieved”
Mohammed, Voyage on Queen GaladrielAugust 2015
“It was one of the best experiences I have ever taken part in!”
Jamie, Voyage on Queen GaladrielAugust 2015
“The staff observed there was a significant increase in self-esteem and reflection. Many of the young people commented that they realised they were achieving something”
Amanda, Voyage on Queen GaladrielJuly 2016
“Students come back with greater maturity – it is noticeable around school”
Andy, Voyage on Queen GaladrielJuly 2016
“A great equaliser – allows children from different backgrounds to share and process their experiences.”
Alison, Voyage on Queen GaladrielJuly 2016
“The highlight for me was just to watch the children build their confidence daily.”
Calum, Voyage on DuetMay 2016
“It was amazing, I have learnt so much.”
Molly, Voyage on DuetJuly 2016
“Challenging and exciting, enjoyed every bit, was never dull.”
Megan, Voyage on DuetAugust 2016
I had such an amazing time and would highly recommend it to others. If I get the opportunity to do anything like this again I wouldn’t think twice about it!!!”
Harriette, Voyage on DuetJune 2016
“It’s really helped me feel more confident with myself.”
George, Voyage on DuetAugust 2016
“Before the voyage I was slightly apprehensive of spending 6 days with people who I had never met before. However I felt welcome immediately and I was comfortable on board at all times.”
Jaimie, Voyage on DuetAugust 2016
“I have never had so much enjoyment in such a short space of time.”
James, Voyage on DuetOctober 2016
“The young people began to take more initiative, rather than waiting to be asked to do things.”
Phil, Voyage on DuetOctober 2016
“I think it is a good environment to mentor the young people showing them a different way of life that they might never have the chance of becoming involved with.”
David, Voyage on FaramirApril 2016
“It pulled the children together, who at school would not talk or interact with each other.”
Joshua, Voyage on FaramirApril 2016
“I learnt to believe in myself and have some confidence”
Abbey, Voyage on Queen GaladrielOctober 2016
“I learnt to trust myself to work with others.”
Lydia, Voyage on Queen GaladrielOctober 2016
“I liked that it was a different experience that is unusual and makes you realise your surroundings.”
Kacey, Voyage on Queen GaladrielJuly 2016
“It was very fun and I would love to volunteer when I am older.”
Jac, Voyage on Queen GaladrielAugust 2016
“One of the young people normally spends every day in front of a computer. He has surprised everyone and himself by getting involved with the day to day running of the ship and has worked extremely hard.”
Lindsey, Voyage on Queen GaladrielAugust 2016
“I feel that the trip has brought staff and service users together as part of a team as we all worked together.”
Chantelle, Voyage on Queen GaladrielAugust 2016
“I learnt responsibility and finding out who I am.”
Mandy, Voyage on Queen GaladrielAugust 2016
“It provides a space for conversations around many issues that affect young people.”
Ellie, Voyage on Queen GaladrielAugust 2016
“This trip gave them the chance to grow up and I think they benefitted from this significantly.”
Jane, Voyage on Queen GaladrielOctober 2016
“The inability to walk away and avoid situations is perfect. Pupils were forced to confront issues that they would usually avoid.”
Anonymous, Voyage on Queen GaladrielOctober 2016
“A few have developed ideas as to what they want their futures to be like.”
Sarah, Voyage on Queen GaladrielOctober 2016
“Greatest achievement – resilience”
Kye, Voyage on Queen GaladrielOctober 2016
“I liked facing new challenges.”
Ben, Voyage on FaramirApril 2016
“I learnt to work as a team and to co-operate positively.”
