14 May 2024
Last summer, we announced that every volunteer and skipper had been offered the chance to take part in Mental Health First Aid (Youth) training in order to better support young people and provide safe spaces on our adventures and at events.
With the season fast approaching, we are delighted to say that 120 volunteers and skippers have since completed the training, with even more set to take part soon.
Young people joining us this summer will benefit from an empowered Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust community. Led by Susie Shaw of Citrine Wellness and Mind Over Cancer, the training teaches how to be there for young people, how to create safe environments to talk about mental health, and has given our community the confidence to recognise signs of mental ill health.
Feedback from skippers and volunteers has been highly positive, who feel excited about and better equipped for the season ahead.
John Davies, one of the Trust’s skippers, said: “I thought the training was absolutely excellent! It was by far the best, most helpful course I have ever attended. I have gotten so much out of it.
“I have often felt in the past ill-equipped to have conversations with a young person around mental health. I felt a little out of my depth and would be happy to point them towards someone else.
“With the tools and strategies Susie went through, I feel ready to help and assist where I can. Her vibrant personality helped to bring it to life over a sunny bank holiday weekend, she is amazing.”
We have been able to deliver this important course to so many people thanks to the support of Baillie Gifford.
With their support, we are able to keep the magic by developing our team to have the biggest impact possible on young people.