The young people of Prior's Court made a return to SailAbility earlier in April, with a combination of new and returning faces jumping into the boat the Dame Stephanie named after our founding patron. 

These SailAbility sessions are able to take place thanks to Burghfield Sailing Club, and the family of one of our staff members who provided and care for the boat. These sessions help to teach our young people safety around water, and reduce anxieties around larger bodies of open water. For those young people that enjoy the water, it also gives them a fun and relaxing day out to enjoy. 

One person in particular, Levi, did an incredible job for his first time out on the boat. This was a massive step for him as he had previously been anxious around open water. With the help of a visual social story and months of careful preparation work with Levi, including introducing him to the open water slowly and over a long period of time, he was able to step onto the boat and remain calm throughout the whole journey. 

Alongside Levi, Helena, Sebby, James T, Zac, R, Jamie B, Alfie G, Amar, Daniel W, Brandon, Lyla, Reuben and Fredi and Jacob M all enjoyed time on the boat. A huge thank you to each member of staff who helped make this happen.

Young person Jamie B also came with the Scouts on this trip, but was unable to make it onto the boat itself despite wanting to. His anxiety was high and the unfamiliarity of the boat meant that he was happier on the side watching than actually getting on the boat.

However, yesterday (30/04.2026) Jamie made it onto the boat with a lot of support and patience from both his staff members and the staff at Sailability, Jamie managed to make his first trip on the wheelyboat! He was so so proud of himself and the Sailability volunteers said this is the reason they give their time each week to see young people overcome their fears and accomplish new skills.