Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I am raising funds for the SSJ Academy to provide essential funding to enable the project to deliver its life changing interventions to some of the most disadvantged members of our communities.

ABOUT THE SSJ ACADEMY

The SSJ Academy was established to support service users on their journey of recovery, independence, and improved wellbeing. It provides a holistic programme of meaningful activities, educational opportunities, and volunteering pathways, empowering participants to address their physical, mental, and social needs as they work toward transforming their lives.

The Academy is built around three core pillars:

• Academy Re-Fit: A sport programme designed to reduce social isolation, build trust, and enhance self-esteem through sport, hobbies, and volunteering.

• Academy Re-Set: Offers accredited educational courses to help participants develop key life skills, confidence, and future aspirations.

• Academy Re-Connect: Focuses on supporting individuals to access volunteering placements that enhance employability and community integration.

The Academy also aims to:

• Encourage the development of new life skills.

• Promote healthier lifestyles.

• Build confidence, discipline, and resilience.

• Reduce substance use and reoffending.

• Alleviate stress and boredom.

• Foster tolerance, inclusion, and positive social networks.

• Improve family, peer, and community relationships.

• Provide access to educational and vocational pathways.

• Support transitions into volunteering, mentoring, and employment

• Combat loneliness and enhance social integration

The swim- info

My round Jersey swim window is between 12th -15th July 2025, which means I could start the swim anytime in that window weather permitting. If the swim gets blown out due to bad weather then I have another swim I hope to complete instead. Possibly, Sandbanks Poole to Mudeford or even Milford on sea.

The Jersey swim distance is approx. 36 miles I will use the tides and the swim will take about 10-12hrs.

I'm currently training for it now with my training buddies. I hope to complete this challenge as a solo swim but if the solo swim training doesn't go to plan (due to injury) then I shall swim it as a relay.

I've named this swim 'Jesus Hairdo', after the Dancing Man Brewery beer. Which we have at the Wool House after our swimming training sessions at The Quays every Sunday evening.

The charity I am fundraising for is the Society of St. James (SSJ) and the project is the SSJ Academy.