Our action & impact

Health & mental wellbeing

Improving physical, mental, and social health outcomes through participation in sailing

We believe every young person deserves the chance to feel confident, connected, and physically active, regardless of their background or individual needs. With increasing numbers of young people facing stress, anxiety, and inactivity, our work offers a much-needed antidote. Sailing contributes to improved mental and physical health, social connection, reduced crime, and increased confidence.

Sailing & watersports for all?

In the UK, there are extreme inequalities in access to and engagement with sport and physical activity, with sailing and watersports showing some of the lowest levels of diversity. Research has also found that children and young people with two or more characteristics of inequality are the least active and have the lowest levels of positive attitudes and wider outcomes.

Inactivity

Only 47% of young people meet minimum physical activity levels according to Sport England. Meanwhile, research continues to see a positive association between activity levels and mental wellbeing.

Inequality

Children and young people from the least affluent families are the least likely to be active, with only 45% meeting the Chief Medical Officers’ guidelines, compared to 57% of those from the most affluent families.

Impact

Children and young people who have a positive and meaningful relationship with activity are happier, more likely to keep trying until they can do something and more likely to trust others of a similar age to themselves.

Our action:

27% of our beneficiaries have one or more characteristics of inequality.

Our action:

45,000 beneficiaries have been supported by the ASF group in 2024 alone.

The benefits of sailing & watersports

We believe that all young people should be able to access and enjoy the huge benefits that sailing and watersports can bring, including increased levels of physical activity, increased confidence, an improved sense of belonging within their community and improved attitudes and aspirations for their future.

The Andrew Simpson Foundation subsidises and fully funds a wide range of experiences on the water, access to community clubs and formal qualifications that can carve careers in the industry, creating role models more reflective of British society and building a more inclusive future.

Improving mental wellbeing
97%

97 % reported an increase in mental wellbeing (e.g. reduced stress or anxiety) after completing a sailing programme.

Increasing self confidence
57%

57% increase in self confidence in participants after taking part in a charitable programme or regular sailing activity.

Raising levels of resilience
86%

86% of young people reported improved resilience (e.g. adapting to challenges) after attending regular sessions.

What we’re working towards

Target 1: Increased weekly physical activity levels

Our aim is that all participants see an increase in their average weekly activity levels following taking part in one of our programmes. This could include sailing and watersports, alongside increased daily steps, and participation in solo and team sports.

Target 2: Reduction in social isolation

Following participation in one of our programmes, we are aiming for all participants to feel less isolated, create more social connections and have a reduce level of self-reported loneliness.

Stanley’s life has been transformed by invaluable skills developed through sailing

Through sailing, Stanley has developed skills that have enabled him to engage with new peers and build the confidence to help guide them. The support from our sailing community and Andrew Simpson Centres has been instrumental in building Stanley’s confidence, allowing him to make new friends and believe in his ability to achieve his goals.

World-leading research

We also conduct world-leading research into the health benefits of sailing and the barriers to participation, working with institutions such as the UCL and Universities of Exeter and Bournemouth. Our insights not only inform our own delivery but also shape wider conversations across sport, education, and health sectors.

Our work in health & mental wellbeing

Our programmes and projects directly address the gap by delivering a wide range of physical health & wellbeing initiatives. Targeted programmes focus on physical and mental health; neurodiversity and SEND; looked after children; and children receiving emotional literacy support.

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