JACK Hart is a current resident at Ashley Court, a residential centre in Chawleigh, run by The Amber Foundation, a charity supporting young people grappling with homelessness and unemployment.

Amber houses up to 30 young people at a time at Ashley Court and provides a full-time programme of support and activities designed to help them turn their lives around and move on to bright independent futures. 

Recently Jack was part of a group of residents from across Amber’s three residential centres who took part in a voyage on board the 30-metre vessel “Prolific”.

The group completed a five-night voyage accompanied by a trained and qualified crew who are all volunteers from the Ocean Youth Trust.

Jack (20), was excited when he first found out he could go on the trip.

“I’ve never sailed before so was really happy to hear I could go. I was nervous though - especially about being on a boat with 20 other people and living in such close quarters because if it gets too much you can’t exactly get off.”

Rebecca Fry Fundraising Manager at Ashley Court said: “A sailing experience with the Ocean Youth Trust is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our residents however it is also a huge challenge.”

Jack felt he learnt some valuable life lessons “despite the rain and seasickness we all had to pitch in and keep going but there were rewards, I remember one particular evening where the rain had stopped and it was just so cool watching the sun go down. It really taught me that rewards are there for people if you work hard.”

Every participant on Amber’s voyage this year earned a Competent Crew certificate awarded by the Royal Yachting Association, a second level qualification.

Caroline White, Business Manager at the Ocean Youth Trust stressed what an achievement it is: “More commonly, we award the more basic RYA Start Yachting certificate. To earn the more advanced qualification on a first voyage is a big deal and only occurs when people are prepared to put in the effort to get through a more demanding syllabus.

"We always like to stress that these are proper recognised qualifications which young people can keep in their Record of Achievement.

"It shows that they mastered some basic sailing skills; but perhaps even more importantly, earning the certificate also provides evidence of valuable transferable skills. They should all be proud of themselves for doing so well.”

Jack felt very proud of himself when we received his certificate and said: “I’ve not got many qualifications so receiving it felt great – part of me didn’t think I could do it but I worked hard and achieved something.

"Before I came to Amber life was just drink and drugs. Being here and having these amazing opportunities and challenges is showing me that there is more to life than getting wrecked. I thought sailing was amazing and I’m hoping to be able to go again in the summer.”

To find out more about Amber and how you get be involved please contact Rebecca by emailing: [email protected] or telephone her on 01769 582020. You can also visit: www. amberwb.org .