Mental health support now setting sail with new charity
SAILING is to be made available on the NHS for first time.
A charity, which is the first of its kind in Europe, will offer therapy for people with mental health problems.
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Joe Sabien with his yacht, which is being used for mental health treatments and counselling, a project first thought of four years ago. Picture: Toby Weller. Ref: 1002TW03905BoatAid
Sea Sanctuary has been the dream of former NHS worker Joe Sabien for four years.
It will combine therapy sessions with sail training and other activities aboard a 43ft classic sailing yacht at Penryn.
Mr Sabien has received the backing of the local NHS trust, which will make referrals to the service.
The charity will work with people suffering anxiety, depression or who deliberately self-harm, and offer a respite service. It has recently taken on 12 sessional staff, including counsellors, a community psychiatric nurse and support workers.
"Research has shown that when you combine sail training with educational programmes, the results are often spectacular and life-changing," said Mr Sabien.
"Using this medium could very well be the way forward because so many other ways fail.
"Using sailing as therapy is still in its infancy in this country, but others have used it for years.
"It may be novel, but why not make getting better enjoyable?"
Waiting list
Sea Sanctuary already has a waiting list of clients, but insists they will not get a "free ride".
Mr Sabien added: "Each person who comes on board will have been through a referral process. Once on board it will be hard work – it is not a jolly. People will have to get on, share and respect each other."
The idea is to lift some of the burden from GPs by offering an alternative service while also potentially saving the NHS money.
"We are looking to improve services, particularly for young people," said Mr Sabien.
"At the moment, young people who need treatment for self-harm are often sent out of the county.
"This will keep services in Cornwall at a fraction of the cost.
"Sea Sanctuary is a charity, it is set up to support people, not to make money."
Antek Lejk, the director of partnership commissioning with NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, said: "To be able to provide local people with the most appropriate support we commission a wide range of mental health services, of which Sea Sanctuary is one.
"It's a charity that has an innovative approach, providing activity-based therapy for a vulnerable group of patients for whom building self-esteem is critical.
"We are monitoring its clinical effectiveness and impact on people's mental well-being."
To find out more about the charity, call 01326 378919 or log onto www.sea-sanctuary.co.uk
8 Comments
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by Joe Sabien, CEO Sea Sanctuary, Falmouth- wish I was afloat
Monday, April 19 2010, 6:11PM
“Thanks in the main for the positive comments.
Richard (from Sailaday OK), with respect, this is a place for comment and debate, not free advertising space for your project.
The work of Sea Sanctuary is indeed pioneering and is also the 1st time such support and such programmes have been offered in Europe. This is a fact.
Moving on and more importantly, regardless of whether whether some people view the work of Sea Sanctuary or, for that matter, Sailaday OK novel or a waste of taxpayers money it does work!
All we are doing is offering something different, allowing people the opportunity to make a choice and ultimately, empowering people. Why not say "well done for all the hard work?"
So, whether you wish to use more conventional treatments or come afloat with us- Sea Sanctuary is here to stay and is the face of positive change in Cornwall.
Best wishes to all and if you are the 1 in 4, please get in touch!”
by Joseph Sabien, Sea Sanctuary, Falmouth
Monday, April 19 2010, 5:53PM
“Thank you for the positive comments regarding our service.
Richard (Sailaday OK)- with respect, this is a place for comment, not for you to use the space to advertise your project. For the record, it is the 1st time in Europe that a yacht has been used to deliver our specific programmes. You would be correct to say that the treatment for drug and alcohol on board a yacht has been seen before- and the benefits are well documented. Sea Sanctuary is offering something altogether different and to a different client group.
I am sorry that some people do not appreciate the difference Sea Sanctuary and indeed Sailaday OK actually makes to the lives of those people experiencing poor mental health.
And to you i say this; might I suggest you wait until you are the 1 in 4 who experience poor mental health and see how you get on with more conventional support. If that doesn't work for you- get in touch.
Best wishes to all.”
by richard lannowe hall, Falmouth
Friday, February 26 2010, 7:51PM
“This is not a unique project. Sailaday Ok is an adventure/wilderness therapy at sea for those recovering from the mental and emotional difficulties of addictions, abuse and trauma. It is a charity established in 2006, although we have been running for 6 years and every year are fully booked. The outcomes reported by the agencies we work with are extremely positive. The primary aim is for the participants to have a positive experience of themselves. The experience gives them tools to help their completion of treatment and eventually re-integration into the community. The Sailaday Ok experience has proved extremely successful, it changes lives.
Sailings are for three to five days duration, aboard a 33ft. cruising yacht. You don¿t leave the boat until she returns at the end of the session. Collection and delivery is from Falmouth, Cornwall
This is a therapeutic, healthy, physical, educational, self-esteem enhancing and enjoyable pursuit. It offers participants an opportunity to increase personal awareness, physical competence, practice problem solving skills, communication and interpersonal skills. Participants will get the benefit of an experienced therapist and qualified professional skipper. Working as a team participants learn to lead and cooperate and will be expected to take part in all the actives of running a boat and therapeutic exercises and group work...
Richard |Lannowe Hall manager and founder”
by Albert, Truro
Thursday, February 25 2010, 10:06PM
“Speaking from my own bitter experiences, the mental health provision in our County leaves much to be desired; although the staff do their best, the resources are simply not made available to treat those suffering from such awful (and, Robert St.A, life-threatening) conditions.
Exercise has been proven to give significant benefits to those who are depressed or suffering from some other mental illness. I feel this is a major step forward, and wish Mr Sabien and his team all the very best.”
by daniel holmes, falmouth
Thursday, February 25 2010, 6:51PM
“i also thinks this is a great opportunity for many people in this county and futher a field who realy suffer with mental health issues!
i hope that sea sancturay will grow throught the years, i've watched joseph for many years putting so much effort into this project and it's great to see it at this stage!
well done Mr Sabian!!”