Blue Spirit’s biggest year yet

Blue Spirit is a Hexham-based non-profit organisation that works with young people all over the North East and beyond. Working in partnership with three different sail training organisations, we offer experiences in ‘blue space’ to young people aged 14-25 with a view to improving mental health outcomes.

Set up in 2021 in memory of the founder’s son Laury, and registered as a charity in 2022, Blue Spirit has gone from strength to strength.

By the end of the 2026 season, 200 young people will have taken to the water in 20 separate activities, from watersports activity days, to ‘taster’ days on board a proper sailboat, to weekend and 5-day voyages. This has been our biggest year yet.

Our young sailors overcome many challenges, from anxiety & sensory overload to chaotic home lives or caring responsibilities and much more, to step on board with us. Stepping on board often means stepping out of comfort zones and challenging themselves to face the unknown. When they do this, young people report increased self-confidence, a sense of resilience and a new perspective on life, as well as new skills, knowledge and friends.

We work with a growing number of youth groups across the region as well as individual young people, reaching out to those who would not otherwise be aware of sailing or able to afford it. 

All images by Tyne Valley photographer Valeria Kozlova

The other side of the equation is our sail training organisation partners: Ocean Youth Trust North, Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club, and The Cirdan Sailing Trust. They treat their young guests with respect, compassion, kindness and professionalism and are a pleasure to work with. 

Please get in touch if you are interested in our work: solenn@bluespirit.uk. And check out our website to see if we might be a good partner for your company!