Young People Across Communities Try Sailing at the New Titanic Quarter

Over fifty young people from communities across Belfast recently stepped on board at Ocean Youth Trust Ireland’s (OYTI) signature site situated at the New Titanic Quarter in Belfast for a ‘hands on’ action packed opportunity to learn to sail, with many for the first time taking the helm.

The ‘Try-Sailing’ event that took place on 10 March launched Ocean Youth TrustIreland’s programme of events for 2012.  The event was funded by the Belfast City Council’s ‘Safer Belfast Plan 2011/12’ that is the annual plan for Belfast Community Safety Partnership.  A great day of activities was had by everyone with the opportunity for many to sail on the ocean waves and to get to know the workings of the vessels for the very first time. 

A follow up ‘Try-Sailing’ event is planned at the New Titanic Quarter on 17 March giving the young people ofBelfastanother opportunity to take to the seas!

Joseph Young, Youth Leader, Suffolk & Lenadoon Interface Group (SLIG) said: ‘We had a really great time, really enjoyed it and would love to do more.  This opportunity has led me to a whole new hobby.  I would highly recommend the OYTI programme of activities to other youth groups across Northern Ireland’.

Councillor Pat McCarthy, Chairman of the Health and Environmental Services Committee, which oversees the Community Safety Partnership, said: “Programmes like the OYT are invaluable in providing a challenging and exciting outlet for young people which teaches the importance of respecting the environment they are in, responsibility and team work”.

“I am sure the young people benefit enormously in what is also a fun challenge that may provide them with a sporting interest for the rest of their life.”

Bronagh Cappa-Campbell, Chief Executive of Ocean Youth TrustIrelandsaid: “OYTI are thoroughly grateful to Belfast City Council for their support for this exciting scheme. We want to encourage young people from across the city to use the waterfront in a safe and responsible way and we are delighted that young people are having a chance to take part in this ‘Try-Sailing’ fun day”.

“We are delighted that we are fully booked for the programme and that young people from across the city are able to use this new space near Titanic Belfast in a positive way. We are running similar schemes throughout 2012 acrossNorthern Ireland, that includesBelfast, and look forward to giving young people a shared space in the city that will allow them to have fun, meet friends and learn new skills.”

‘Try-Sailing’ is part of a full programme of sailing opportunities delivered by Ocean Youth TrustIrelandfor young people, schools and youth based organisations inNorthern Ireland.  Each year OYTI introduce some 400 young people from Northern Ireland to adventure, the natural environment and the challenge of life at sea as part of the working crew visiting ports along the North Coast, Scotland, The Isle of Man and further afield. Their professional youth work and sea staff team are on hand to ensure the highest levels of safety as they guide and support the young people aboard every nautical mile of the way.

For more information on the Trust and available programmes or to volunteer please visit the website, www.oyti.org or contact Ocean Youth Trust Ireland office on 028 90 453 062.

Notes

About Ocean Youth Trust Ireland

Ocean Youth Trust Ireland (OYTI) is a Sail Training charity committed to working with young people from all backgrounds throughoutIreland. The Trust is dedicated to training the leaders of tomorrow by empowering and supporting them to succeed in one of the most challenging environments known to man, the Ocean.

About the Sponsor – Belfast City Council

The Belfast Community Safety Partnership, which is led by Belfast City Council, has launched the new Safer Belfast Plan for 2011-12.

The aim of the plan is to help create safer, shared and confident communities by working in partnership to address crime, fear of crime and antisocial behaviour.

In developing this plan we listened to what the public said in the Belfast City Council public consultation survey, as well as community groups and organisations on the Community Safety Partnership.

The plan outlines how we will tackle four key areas which you have told us are your main concerns. These are:

•Antisocial behaviour

•Alcohol and substance misuse

•Hate crime and cohesion

•Fear of crime.

Contact details

For further information or requests for interview contact:

Thelma, Ocean Youth TrustIreland

Desk phone: 028 90 453 062  Email: [email protected]