The Aiming High club offers opportunities to young people with additional needs, enabling them to take part in activities such as sailing, kayaking and giant paddleboarding. Every session is adjusted to the participants needs allowing them to develop at their own pace, with life experiences that will help them with communication, teamwork and confidence. 

Aiming High sessions are run at all not-for-profit Andrew Simpson Centres, for children from the ages of 7 and subsidised by the Andrew Simpson Foundation and BBC Children in Need.  

The programme also focuses on young people’s mental health, using sailing and watersports to boost their sense of self-worth and help them manage their emotions. Almost 1 in 4 children and young people show some evidence of mental ill health, including anxiety and depression (Young Minds 2018) and 8% of children are living with a disability. 

The Children in Need funding provides over 400 Aiming High sessions a year. The sessions are also run in collaboration with local schools and community groups. This benefits young people across the UK who would otherwise not be able to access watersports.  

The feedback for Aiming High Club has been fantastic. With parents, carers and participants recognising the benefits that involvement in watersports can bring. 

Tilly has been attending Aiming High Club for 3 years: 

“She loves the water but has always been dependent on me. I’m a sailor and Tilly has only participated with me present. Due to the expertise of your instructors and their understanding of children with many extra needs; Tilly has progressed massively. Her confidence has blossomed. She’s sails with and enjoys the company of other children. She adores all the instructors. Connor and Billy have both enabled her to do things way above expectations.”

Steve, Tilly’s father

“All the team are fantastic. Sundays are the highlight of Jackson’s week.”

Ann Bentley, parent/carer to Jackson. 

“The instructors are really kind.”

Ellis Patterson, participant. 

John has really enjoyed sailing club. The instructors are very helpful and great. John loved sailing has own dinghy.

Georgina Reid, parent/carer to John.  

“We’re so grateful to be able to offer these sessions to local children and look forward to welcoming them back to the centre next year for more Aiming High.”

Caroline Slocock, ASF Fundraising Manager

If you are interested in finding out more about our charitable programmes, or keen to get involved in supporting the participation of young people, don’t hesitate to contact us.