Set sail on a new adventure in 2022! by Natalie McCulloch
Now that Christmas is well and truly packed up for another year and we are into the lighter days of February its an ideal time to look for a way to fill free time meaningfully! Perhaps you feel like doing something completely new in 2022, if so, Challenge Wales has an ideal opportunity waiting just for you – read on to see if it ‘floats your boat’! Challenge Wales is a charity with a difference. Its adventurous outdoor and accredited youth development programme provides a unique opportunity for those aged 12 – 25 years to develop to their full potential, broaden their outlook on life and develop employability skills. For many, it’s been life-changing providing a positive, can-do learning environment and a journey of self-awareness through learning teamwork & communication skills and improving mental health & wellbeing. This is achieved with the help of an amazing team of volunteers who donate hundreds of hours of their time and an array of skills which enable the charity to achieve the work they do. They have two incredible sail training vessels: a 72-foot Tall ship “Challenge Wales” and a 60-foot 2 masted schooner “Adventure Wales”! Some of the big visions of the charity are to improve the employment prospects of young people, to provide the best outdoor learning experience in Wales and the South West and provide the best youth development opportunities. That’s pretty amazing for something right on our doorstep in Penarth, I hope you agree!
feel you don’t quite ‘fit the criteria’ think again, they also offer big boat adult adventures (for individuals, families & friends, and companies) that help raise vital funds to support our youth development programme. Its certainly a charity which is there for everyone!
Over the past 12 years, the award-winning sailing charity has worked with thousands of young people many of whom have:
Challenge Wales’ wonderful work is achieved through sail training ranging from one day youth development days to longer UK residential voyages and for those looking to ‘ramp up’ the adventure they even offer overseas experiences.
• been unemployed, • in care, • are young carers, • homeless or at risk of being homeless, • have dropped out of education, • have severe financial limitations, • have learning difficulties, • are looking for a challenge and focus in their lives. • Are interested in a marine or environmental career or completing their DofE Gold Award Predominantly, the young people joining Challenge Wales for their sail training adventures come from a variety of backgrounds and abilities including socially and economically disadvantaged as well as those that are looking for a focus in their lives, interested in environmental and marine-based careers or are just wanting to do something different or try something new. However, if you
44 CARDIFF TIMES
Over 25? Don’t despair! As well as helping younger generations, adults aged 18 – 85 years can join a variety of adult-only voyages which help fund the predominantly volunteer run charity. Voyages from 1 to 14 days gives you the opportunity to see Glamorgan’s heritage coast boasting sandy beaches and rugged cliffs, the dramatic coastline and abundant wildlife of West Wales and the stunning natural beauty of North Wales. With dolphins often swimming at the bow, and the opportunity to take part in climate change and micro-plastic citizen science projects, a voyage can have a lasting impact, and many of these voyages will start and finish from Cardiff Bay. This is truly an adventure that keeps on giving no matter what age bracket you fall into! With the mission to see as many young people as possible reach their potential, through sailing on Challenge Wales and Adventure Wales, the Challenge Wales charity is reliant on its fantastic volunteers who donate their time and experience to sail the boats, while supporting and mentoring
