Improve lives of young people with Challenge Wales #oneflameatatime

Choose our Hand made Conwy candle #2 and help change lives of young people at challenge Wales #oneflameatattime.

Challenge Wales helps develop the life skills and employability skills of young people through its innovative outdoor learning programme at sea.

The award-winning charity works with a diverse mix of young people including those who are unemployed, dropped out of school, in-care, BAME groups, those who are LGBTQ, at risk of being homeless, young carers to those who are in school, need a more positive focus in their lives or looking for a career at sea.

Through sail training young people learn teamwork and communication skills, develop their self-confidence and resilience, make friends, learn about respect for others and improve their social skills as well as having lots of fun in a positive can-do environment. Activities onboard also improve mental health and wellbeing and engages participants with the natural, coastal environment and an understanding of sustainability. The charity is predominantly run by its amazing team of volunteers who donate thousands of hours each year to help broaden young people’s horizon.

The great thing about sail training is that it is accessible to everyone regardless of their ability & background and no sailing experience is required to take part, just a willingness to participate and have a go.

Vicky Director at Challenge Wales

Through fundraising, donations, funders and our supporters, bursary funding is available which young people can tap into to help subsidise their voyage. Last month the Goodwash Company donated profits of the Conwy candle sales. The £300 donation helped us support 39 hours of education at sea. So to each of you who purchased a candle, diolch.

Below are some examples of what Challenge Wales do with real people and how they can genuinely help change lives this isn’t just a marketing campaign

Evan

Improving Mental Health; Evan was in his early 20’s, depressed and had a learning disability. Evan joined us for two voyages as part of our Voyages of Discoverylearning programme. The results: Evan increased his confidence and improved his physical and mental health. He gained accreditation and felt proud of his achievements. In Evan’s case, for every £1 invested in the programme it generated £7.43 of value. Read more here.

Luke

From Unemployment and Into Work; Luke was 18, unemployed, lacked self-motivation and spent hours in his bedroom. He hadn’t talked for two years and his Youth Worker didn’t think he would hold down a full time job. Luke joined Challenge Wales for a 5 day residential. The results: Luke improved his communication and social skills which lead him into employment, his grandmother inspired by the impact on Luke started volunteering at her local community centre. Luke is now working towards a business degree.  Read more here.

Carys

Gaining Confidence; Carys had moderate learning difficulties and mental health issues. She jumped onboard for one of our residential voyages despite having a fear of boats! The results: Carys overcame her nervousness, listened and followed instructions. With her new increased confidence she took up a role of steering group lead in a youth organisation and was able to gather the views of her group to make decisions. She had improved her social skills and life skills and mental health. Read more here.

Challenge Wales website  our website here.