NHS Trust reaches fundraising goal for adventure therapy sailing trip

The Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) team at Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust have raised over £11,000 for an upcoming adventure therapy sailing trip.

Set to sail from Hartlepool to Ipswich this September, the five day ‘voyage to recovery’ will support 10 service users, offering them a unique opportunity to build confidence, develop communication skills, and embark on a journey of recovery. It comes after a previous sailing trip to Ireland changed service users’ lives for the better.

The Cirdan Trust, which runs the trips, previously found 98 per cent of people report an increase in self-confidence and 97 per cent of people said they developed communication skills.

Molly Smith, lead cognitive behaviour therapist for the Future Focus Early Engagement team at the Care Trust, said: “We had a fundraising goal of £9000, and we’re overjoyed to have surpassed this. This trip is not just about sailing – this life-changing opportunity will allow disadvantaged groups to experience new adventures for social connection and personal growth. We can’t wait to set sail and see the difference this experience will make.”

The funds raised will cover the cost of hiring the ship and crew, transportation, and meals, making this adventure accessible to those who need it most.

The Trust would like to thank Bradford Rotary Club, Bradford West Rotary Club, Ilkley Rotary Club and “Cabaret Saltaire” at the Caroline Social Club for their kind donations.

The team’s creative fundraising efforts included bake-offs, poetry events, a half marathon, dog walking, the Three Peaks challenge, dragon boat racing, a fire walk and sky dives. For the full list of fundraisers, or to donate towards future voyages, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/voyagetorecovery2025.