2025 impact snapshot

We create life-changing journeys on the water: shaping young lives, strengthening communities and transforming futures.

A decade of investment in coastal and waterside communities

Across our centres and programmes, the Andrew Simpson Foundation has now invested over £20 million directly into coastal and waterside communities across the UK, enabling young people and families to access safe, inspiring and transformational experiences on and around the water.

250,000

young people reached

£20 million

invested to date

£87 million

in generated social value

Our impact in 2025

Our objective is to advance the education, development and improvement of young people, through sailing programmes to develop their skills, capacities and capabilities to enable them to participate in society as independent, mature and responsible citizens.

Creating equity in watersports
12%

12% of young people who took part in one of our programmes during 2025 had declared SEND or neurodivergence.

Growing a sense of community
100%

100% of young people who participated in our community clubs said they felt part of a community.

Opening the door to new sports
63%

63% of participants went on to try new sports or activities after participating in one of our courses, clubs or programmes.

Creating more opportunities
57,222

55,638 young people have accessed one or more of our programmes and partner programmes during 2025.

Measured impact and social value

Every £1 invested in ASF generates over £4.38 of value and aligns directly with national priorities across health, education, place-making and youth development.

What this looks like in real lives

Young people, families, teachers and partners tell us the difference is immediate and lasting:

Students now talk seriously about maritime careers, instructing and STEM pathways- they’ve found something they’re good at and passionate about.”

Teacher (P.)

For young people in the justice system, sailing has shifted their identity, friendships and outlook. Both have shown no further offending.”

Portsmouth Youth Justice Service

These sessions allow our students to leave their anxieties behind for a while. Their confidence, communication and resilience grow every week.”

Dorchester Learning Centre

They come alive when they are down here… Their confidence soars and it transfers straight back into the classroom.”

Headteacher (J.)

My daughter is profoundly deaf, and the staff made her feel really comfortable – this is the most inclusive programme we’ve ever experienced.”

Parent, Portland

Before starting here, his mental health was at breaking point. Now he is confident, independent and proud of what he can do.”

Parent, Portsmouth

Global reach

From Birmingham to Bermuda, our flagship sailing race 
has brought the global sailing community together 
across 45 countries.

Why this matters

Children in many coastal and underserved communities face:

  • High levels of deprivation
  • Lower educational attainment
  • Limited access to enrichment
  • Isolation and transport challenges
  • Fewer skills and employment pathways

ASF programmes offer an accessible, inspiring route to reverse these patterns, giving young people confidence, connection, skills and opportunity right on their doorstep.

Underpinned by our ethos of 
access for all, we will focus our impact across four key pillars

These pillars guide ASF’s partnerships, programmes and investments so more young people can participate, progress, connect and take positive action for their communities and environments.

Enabling active participation

Creating sustainable patterns of activity by increasing physical participation, active wellbeing and regular engagement through schools, groups and community partners.
Developing skills 
& personal 
pathways

Expanding skills development, training routes and recognised qualifications, from SEND and alternative provision to instructor training, performance pathways and maritime careers.

Building connected communities

Ensuring access for all by deepening inclusion, bringing groups together and strengthening community identity through safe, shared experiences on the water.

Championing environmental engagement

Championing programmes that support environmental learning, conservation, citizen science and the creation of sustainable, climate-aware coastal places.

Our work is led by research and data

ASF’s programmes are shaped by research, data and local insight to meet the real needs of children and communities. Working with partners across the UK, we design and refine evidence-based activity that delivers measurable change.

Continuous data, feedback and evaluation show what works, strengthening delivery and scaling proven approaches so more young people can thrive. Speak to us about collaborating on data and research.

Our national reach, 
partnerships & 
engagement

The Andrew Simpson Foundation delivers programmes through a nationwide network of six Andrew Simpson Centres and 16 affiliated partners, enabling us to reach communities across the UK.

This network enables us to deliver our programmes through a wide range of affiliated partner delivery centres, bringing us closer to the communities we serve.

Help us provide more young people with life changing opportunities

With your support, ASF can open the door to confidence, connection and brighter futures.

Donate

Your donation will help fund life-changing programmes.

Partner with us

To bring opportunity into underserved communities.

Support us

Support us as an organisation to scale our impact even further.