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What is Project Rough Seas? 

 

Project Rough Seas is a life-changing opportunity for a group of 60 young people from Catch22 services across the UK.

The young people’s charity Catch22, the British Schools Exploring Society (BSES), and Ethical Skills & Training (EST) are together organising an extensive overland and tall ships expedition to Scandinavia in July and August 2011, culminating in 6 month apprenticeships for all those involved. 

The expedition itself will enable the 60 young people to cultivate life skills, a sense of responsibility and build their confidence and ambitions.  In addition they will be encouraged to take up the challenge of gaining the RYA Competent Crew Certificate. 

Who will benefit?

Catch22 works with some on the most disadvantaged and at-risk young people in the UK. The young expeditioners will come from our care services because these young people are disproportionately disadvantaged:

• At age 19, 93% of care leavers are Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET).
• 75% of young offenders have come through our care services, so we can't afford to ignore this group of young people. 

The legacy 

Catch22, EST and the Project Rough Seas Team will support and mentor all the participants into further training, education or work placements and encourage all to become peer mentors. 

We will ensure that they truly develop as a result of this expedition, not only as individuals but that their achievements and progress are felt in the community they live in, breaking the vicious cycle they are trapped in.

Supporters 

We are fortunate to have the high profile involvement of Ben Fogle who will be fronting a TV documentary about the young people’s journey throughout the three-phase programme: the young expeditioners recruitment and training, their expedition; and their re-entry into education and employment. 

Endorsements of Project Rough Seas from the Prime Minister David Cameron, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Bear Grylls amongst many others are clear validations of the strength of this programme.



‘An epic challenge for an important cause. This mission will give many kids who have never experienced anything like this before, the chance to grow through a serious adventure. I love that, and I know how powerful such expeditions can be in young peoples lives. Well done the team, you have my full admiration!’
Bear Grylls - Global Adventurer and Chief Scout, figurehead to 28 million Scouts Worldwide



We hope that you will join Catch22 in making Project Rough Seas a successful and sustainable project, helping turn young people to turn their lives around and achieve the impossible.

For more information www.catch-22.org.uk/project-rough-seas