SAIL2HELP is a charity, and it has been entered onto the Register of Charities with the Registered Charity Number 1198826.

OUR GOAL

Suicide is the biggest killer of under 35s in the UK.

After my eldest son George took his life I established the Sail2Help programme to raise awareness of mental health issues among young people. And, to raise funds in order to offer much needed support to such vulnerable people, and their families who together are fighting a mental health battle. In addition to financially supporting Papyrus, the UK’s main suicide prevention charity for young persons; and ISWAN who provide a free multilingual & confidential helpline - YachtCrew Help for professional yacht crew 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

I hoped the programme would fund a sustainable 5+ year programme to provide "Escape Days" in the fresh air for those families blighted by the terrible effects of mental health issues. I am pleased, nay delighted, that with the help of 302 splendid, kind and generous people we raised an amazing £30,206 last year via this platform alone. And, I am also aware additional money was donated directly to Papyrus by the wonderful initiative of several others such as WESCOM's flare amnesty and our neighbours, Nicola & Lydia's, plant sale.

In 2021 we were able to donate >£20,000 to Papyrus, create a website: www.sail2help.com, employ the services of a solicitor to help with the registration of the programme as a CIO with the Charities Commission; and conduct a six boat "escape" day for a large group of nurses from the DMS Joint Hospital Group (South) so that they could leave their evident strain on the dockside. As well as lay the foundation for activity in 2022 starting with a fundraising weekend at the end of April, and Ladies day on 5 May. Round The Island Race is next on 25 Jun 22. As well as conducting more sailing "escape" days throughout the rest of the season we are planning a 2 week cruise to the Scilly Isles and north coast of France between 15 - 29 Jul 22.

The enduring programme will now be able to fund a sustainable programme to provide a sailing experience for those families blighted by the terrible effects of mental health issues, making the waves of grief that usually knock them off their feet less violent.

And, to help introduce young persons to a career in the maritime sector, under Red, White, Blue, or Flagged State ensigns by partnering with appropriate Service providers, such as UKSA and to offer mentoring and/or scholarships as appropriate.

EXPERIENCE

I speak with experience having lost my eldest son George to suicide in the latter days of 2019, and my elder brother, Peter some 30 years ago. I know how it feels to lie in bed at night sobbing until you can no longer breathe and that makes me want to help others. I can’t suggest for a moment that it won’t always hurt but sailing in the fresh without responsibility might make it hurt less.

OUR APPROACH

A sailing "Escape" day” is an opportunity for families and individuals going through really difficult times to leave their difficulties on the dockside, and enjoy the freedom of sailing in the fresh air while leaning into their pain.

Our principal focus, is to continue raising money for the long term programme and to give Papyrus and ISWAN more money each year to support their vital endeavours. So far this year we have donated £10,000 to assist them with their valuable work.

Once ones child has gone, the ache of failure is enough to almost torment one into following their lead, but that would be failure in itself, and, I am not going to fail. However, I can’t do it alone and need your help, and with your help we can help others avoid the blistering heart ache. If you are able please spread the word, and let’s fight mental health together.

Please make a donation to Sail2Help so that we can continue to support Papyrus & ISWAN financially (say £30, £50, £100 or maybe more) while providing respite days afloat; and, to help us introduce young persons to a career in the maritime sector - thank you.

Tim