UKSA Calls For Immediate Dialogue On Disaffected Britain

Aug. 11, 2011 - PRLog -- At the launch of its 25th anniversary year in Cowes, Isle of Wight yesterday (August 10), Chief Executive Jon Ely said: “The uncomfortable events that are unfolding in London and Birmingham relate to many of the social issues charities like UKSA are working hard to address."

“With the continuing impact of the global recession on jobs, especially for the under 25s, a young generation has nowhere to go, little hope for its future and little sense that anyone cares. We are already engaging with young people who are often devoid of aspiration and convinced they will achieve nothing in their lives. For them there is little reason to abide by social norms."

“Nobody condones rioting and looting, but the absence of any definite life prospects for young people is tragic, not just for them but all of society. In coming up with an effective response, the relevant authorities need to open up a dialogue with charities and organisations like UKSA which can offer insights, create effective lines of engagement and communication - and work collegiately together in the delivery of the necessary services and reforms.”

Ely was addressing 120 UKSA Alumni, supporters, donors and island guests who were invited to the Cowes based charity to see Patron HRH The Princess Royal open a new recreational area for young people and officially launch the charity’s 25th anniversary plans.

Ely said: “It’s easy when we look at the wealthy Cowes sailing environment to miss the point that here we work with young people that experience deep loneliness and uncontrollable suffering and that for some the ‘work hard and you will get it’ mantra doesn’t work.

“But I am always amazed that the lives of young people who start at such a disadvantage can progress so well, and how resilient and determined young people are.”

Key outcomes of UKSA:

• 70 per cent of the UKSA’s NEET cohort are now in employment
• 87 per cent believe that UKSA has improved their self esteem
• One young Apprentice said he would have committed suicide if it wasn’t for the lifeline UKSA had thrown him

Plans to continue the UKSA’s Apprenticeship scheme were put on hold after the Future Jobs Fund was scrapped. UKSA is seeking alternative funding for a further 24 Apprentices. Each Apprentice costs UKSA £7,000 to train.

UKSA recently featured in Jamie Oliver’s Channel 4 TV series, Jamie’s Dream School (Channel 4, Wednesdays, 9pm). The programme saw Dame Ellen MacArthur set sail from UKSA with four 18 years olds for a four day ocean adventure to build their team and communications skills.  

One of the Dream School students, Henry Gatehouse, (17), from London, has since returned to UKSA and is studying the Watersports Internship programme.

Ends
August 2011

For further information: Susann Jerry, 07725 091814, email susann.jerry@uksa.org

About UKSA   

http://www.uksa.org

UKSA has worked to provide life changing outcomes for young people for 25 years. In that time, the charity has helped more than 100,000 individuals challenge personal boundaries, develop personal and employment skills and embark on fulfilling maritime careers.

This has been achieved by harnessing high quality maritime education, mentoring and support and making it available to all regardless of their background and ability. UKSA Alumni include the record breaking sailors Dee Caffari MBE and Hilary Lister.

An increasing number of young people are choosing the maritime sector as a career choice over and above University or other employment sectors. They are inspired by the rewards of a career with global opportunities.

UKSA trains 800 people each year for maritime employment, and works with a diverse range of employers, from the superyacht owner Roman Abramovich to the Nielson Holidays and PGL activity holidays to help them into employment.

UKSA was founded by the retail entrepreneur Noel Lister. The charity celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2012.

UKSA – The Story So Far

1987      UKSA opened, founded by the MFI retail entrepreneur Noel Lister and his wife, Sylvia.
1987   Initial focus of the Academy is on schools activity
1990   First careers courses are introduced in watersports = No Kettle
1993    First yachting careers courses are introduced = One Kettle
1995   First yachts are purchased…..we have quite a few now
2000   First courses for large commercial yachts are introduced = more than one Kettle
2004   Introduce training in Cadetships, Interior Crew and Yacht Engineering
2007   Mentoring and personal support is introduce to enhance Industry Guidance

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As a youth maritime charity, UKSA uses maritime education and on-the-water activities to inspire individuals and transform lives. Personal development, improved self esteem, broadened horizons and fulfilling maritime careers are just some of the outcomes.