A SAILING charity has launched an appeal to offer a lifeline to youngsters struggling with mental health.

Tall Ships Youth Trust (TSYT) has launched its Lifeline Appeal to help raise vital funds to tackle dramatic increases in mental health referrals among young people.

Recent NHS research found one in six children aged five to 16 were identified as having a probable mental health problem in July 2021 — equivalent to five pupils in every classroom.

With a particular focus on working with young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, TSYT has been providing young people aged 12-25, with transformational experiences at sea for 65 years.

In a typical year the charity takes 1,000 young people to sea and currently operates four 72ft Challenger yacht — famous for having raced twice round the world as part of the Global Challenge races, and a 55ft ketch.

Sue Geary, a longstanding Skipper with the charity, said: “Our residential voyages provide a unique outdoor learning environment where young people are supported by our professionally trained crew to feel safe and have open conversations around mental health.

“Sail training provides the ideal space for promoting positive mental health and recovery for young people. The activities that form the core routines of any sailing voyage exactly match the NHS’ Five Steps to Mental Wellbeing — working physically hard on the water, helping each other and developing positive relationships while learning new skills, having opportunities to rest, reflect and be mindful.”

To find out more and to donate to the Lifeline Appeal visit: https://www.tallships.org/appeal/lifeline-appeal/