Young people from across Portsmouth will have the opportunity to take part in a series of unique, hands-on environmental workshops on 22 and 23 July, giving them the chance to explore the city’s coastal environment in the lead-up to Rolex Sail GP Championship’s return to Portsmouth, 25-26 July.

The two-day programme has been made possible through a partnership between Artemis SailGP, the Andrew Simpson Foundation and Portsmouth City Council’s Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF Fun Pompey), bringing together international sport, environmental education and local community support to create meaningful opportunities for young people.

Funded by Artemis SailGP, the workshops will be delivered by the Andrew Simpson Foundation, Artemis SailGP’s Purpose Partner. Building on its mission to transform lives through sailing, education and maritime opportunities, the Foundation has developed a programme that combines environmental science with hands-on outdoor learning, helping young people better understand and care for Portsmouth’s blue spaces.

Each year, the Andrew Simpson Foundation supports thousands of young people through sailing, watersports, education and training programmes that build confidence, wellbeing and life skills. Since its establishment in 2013, the Foundation has supported more than 250,000 young people, generated £87 million in social value and invested over £20 million in charitable activity, creating opportunities for communities across the UK and internationally.

HAF Fun Pompey provides free, fun activities and nutritious meals to children aged 5-16 who receive benefits-related free school meals in Portsmouth. The Council is helping to make the workshops accessible to families by promoting the sessions through the HAF booking platform and its family outreach networks, as well as funding nutritious lunches for all 120 young people expected to take part across the two days.

Throughout the programme, participants will also have the opportunity to meet Artemis SailGP athletes, who will join activities and share their experiences of competing at the highest level of international sailing. Their involvement will give young people an insight into the sport while highlighting the importance of protecting the coastal environments on which it depends.

Across the two days, participants will explore a range of environmental topics through practical activities and outdoor learning.

The programme includes beach cleans and interactive sessions exploring the impact of plastic pollution and microplastics on wildlife, alongside practical ways young people can reduce plastic waste in their everyday lives.

Participants will also learn about the importance of seagrass meadows for biodiversity, carbon storage and healthy coastal ecosystems. As part of the programme, they will have the opportunity to meet a Project Seagrass scientists and hear first-hand about the work being carried out to protect one of the UK’s most important coastal habitats.

Young people will carry out biodiversity surveys along Portsmouth’s shoreline, learning about the wildlife found on their doorstep and how healthy ecosystems support both people and nature.

The workshops will also explore sustainable food production and responsible fishing, encouraging participants to consider how everyday food choices can help support healthier seas and a more sustainable future.

Designed to create a lasting legacy beyond race weekend, the programme reflects the Andrew Simpson Foundation’s long-term commitment to transforming lives through sailing, education and maritime opportunities, while supporting Artemis SailGP’s ambition to leave a positive impact in every host city it visits.

Cllr Nick Dorrington, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Portsmouth City Council, said: “This initiative demonstrates how HAF Fun Pompey provides enriching experiences that combine fun and learning. We’re proud to work with the Andrew Simpson Foundation and Artemis SailGP to help children and young people access opportunities where they can build confidence, develop new skills, and strengthen their connection with Portsmouth’s coastal environment.”

The workshops will take place on 22 and 23 July ahead of SailGP’s return to Portsmouth.

Free spaces can be booked via the Eequ booking platform: https://eequ.org/book/sail-gp-environmental-engagement-events-with-andrew-simpson-centres-33659

Families who are eligible for HAF Fun Pompey can book spaces at this link: https://eequ.org/book/sail-gp-environmental-engagement-sessions-with-andrew-simpson-centres-32601.

More information about HAF Fun Pompey, including the full summer programme, is available on the Portsmouth Play Youth and Community website.