I'm raising £1000 to support FreeSpirit through a skydive!!
Organised by Sophie Honey
Story
FreeSpirit is a custom built community boat dedicated to the coastal community in particular those who are disadvantaged, suffer with mental health and wellbeing and/or long term chronic illnesses such as cancer.
Jumping from a plane is a powerful reminder of how it feels to let go — of fear, of pressure, of control — and to trust in the support around us. Like with mental wellbeing, it takes courage to face the unknown, but we don’t do it alone. Taking the leap from the skies, a skydive captures the essence of FreeSpirit — the courage to soar, the trust to fall, and the grounding that comes from being supported by others. As we come back down to earth, we're reminded that no matter how high we fly, it’s the people around us who help us land with purpose, strength, and connection. FreeSpirit is about embracing every moment — the rush, the release, and the return — together.
Why am I jumping for FreeSpirit?
It's no secret that I love being on the water from fishing to sailing! I am very passionate about its wellbeing benefits having experienced them first hand and being able to share this with as many people as possible. FreeSpirit is a culmination of so much hardwork and a shared passion between so many people that will undoubtedly help many more. I said I would be happy to help in any way... I'll say yes to anything but even the idea of jumping out a plane is terrifying so please donate because I will only ever do this once!!
FREESPIRIT AIMS ->
To provide maritime education training and research opportunities
To promote an enhance mental health and wellbeing
To support local charities which promote and enhance mental health and wellbeing
To promote and deliver maritime ecological good practice and sustainability
The community will benefit through access to boat excursions which can address a wide range of mental health challenges through active participation informed by different therapies, tailored to individual and group needs to promote their wellbeing. The restorative qualities of blue spaces, combined with structured and creative activities helps foster emotional regulation, social connection, and personal growth. As evidence continues to support the effectiveness of nature-based therapy, boat excursions stand out as a valuable addition to the modern therapeutic toolkit.
FreeSpirit is a purpose built boat, designed to support maritime educational, training and research opportunities with many features such as live wells, interactive screens, canopies and an integrated structure to support scientific equipment. It can be used by the community 365 days a year as an on water classroom at sea, in the harbour or at its mooring providing immense flexibility to provide support regardless of the weather.
FreeSpirit will support the empowerment of people through community engagement, education, and active participation in sustainability projects. The sea angling trips introducing people to the benefits of fishing, are all specifically linked to fish stock surveys and as necessary for various groups is suitably interchanged with magnet fishing removing metallic waste from the sea bed. During maritime trips, people are encouraged to look out for debris that can be removed with use of nets fostering constant meaningful participation.
