South West charity uses a 90-year-old ship to provide a safe space for people in recovery, thanks to National Lottery funding
In 2009, retired GP Dr Robert Crabtree bought an old sailboat called ‘Tectona’ in the hope she could be used to assist in the recovery of former addicts. Over ten years later, ‘Sailing Tectona’ is up and running, providing sailing training, skill sharing and a sense of community for all those who wish to get on board.
With over 30 regular volunteers already helping to maintain the boat whilst learning essential sailing skills, the organisation was recently awarded £10,000 of National Lottery funding to open the refit project up to even more people.
Lee, a regular at Tectona (pictured left), knows first-hand the difference this grant will make. He said: “It was around November, I had moved to Plymouth to a recovery house, after some time in rehab for my addiction problems. Although I had been clean and sober for a few months I didn’t know what to do – I still felt a bit useless and I was really anxious. When I found out about Tectona I thought I’d give it a go because it was hands-on and gave me the opportunity to learn a new skill….I feel like my confidence has really improved in my time here. I want to carry on doing it for as long as I can.”
Pete, another regular, agrees: “I’m actually a nurse and work for the NHS and I worked on a COVID unit throughout the pandemic. When I have my uniform on and I’m really confident but outside of work not so much…
“I did the initial part of my recovery on my own, with very little support. This project is great for people who find it difficult to engage in more traditional forms of therapy. It’s allowed me to do things I never thought I would be able to do. A year ago I couldn’t even wire a plug!”
Emma, First Mate on board Tectona, providing support and training to the volunteers, said: “We are striving to make this a really inclusive project and the National Lottery funding allows us to do that. It is so rewarding to work together with the volunteers to build a community around a boat that has a real soul, personality and history behind it.”
Thanks to National Lottery players, the money will be used to pay for staff salaries, additional tools and the travel and food costs of volunteers, making the project accessible to everyone who wants to attend.
422 charities and community groups across the South West have been awarded more than £18.2 million of National Lottery funding throughout 2021 so far*.
The South West isn’t alone in benefiting from National Lottery funding. Today it was announced that almost £200 million of National Lottery funding has been awarded to more than 4,500 community groups across England so far this year.
Rowan Miller, Head of Funding for the South West at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “I am incredibly pleased to see the amazing impact that money raised by National Lottery players is having in communities across the South West. Recent challenges have shone a light on the inspiring volunteers and groups, like the Tectona Trust, who have been dedicated to helping their communities to thrive. This funding has given a much-needed boost to people in their communities this year after what have been some extremely difficult times.”
The National Lottery Community Fund distributes money raised by National Lottery players for good causes. Thanks to National Lottery players, last year we awarded over half a billion pounds (£588.2 million) of life-changing funding to communities across the UK. Over eight in ten (83%) of our grants are for under £10,000 – going to grassroots groups and charities across the UK that are bringing to life amazing ideas that matter to their communities.
To find out more visit www.TNLCommunityFund.org.uk