OUR TARGET audience is Paramedics, Police, Firefighters – First Responders, Veterans, and others with PTSD, depression, lacking self confidence and anxiety, people with disabilities (may need a carer), women (setting up a ladies sailing team).

OUR GOAL is to reduce the impact of PTSD on the lives of sufferers and their family’s lives and to help them return to being fully functional members of society.

PROGRAMS The program has been specifically developed to teach not just sailing skills, but to provide a calm and caring environment which fosters self-confidence, improves decision making abilities, and helps with the issues our participants’ face on a daily basis. One of our points of difference is our requirement that the programs have a 50/50 gender split (where possible and feasible). The program is 12 weeks long (1 day a week) and the instructors are certified by Australian Sailing.

Unlike almost all programs on offer the program, Sail For Life, ongoing for 12 weeks and beyond rather than for only a week or two. The program requires participants to be committed to it, fully involved, to take on responsibility for the program and to learn new skills. It is not a rock up, participate and leave after a few days. As participants grow in skills and demonstrate responsibility so their roles in the program grow. Further, for the life of an individual’s involvement they are tested and meet with professional medical staff to assess progress during and post the program.

“Studies show that 5 – 7 day “outward bound” programs were enjoyed, however did not significantly reduce PTSD symptoms. Studies also show that limited if any testing was carried out on an ongoing basis to establish how short term programs impacted participants, either positively or negatively. The limited timeframe of the intervention with clients and the fact that an Outward Bound program is too far removed from daily life experiences to have any real impact for participants” Psychiatry Review 2013.

STRATEGY IN BRIEF

Sessions are weekly for 3 – 4 hours in small groups of 6 – 10 under the leadership of a project leader. Each session starts on dry land, with a discussion that covers what was learnt last time and to present the days activities and to set safety code of conduct. All sessions are closely planned and prepared for in advance. If weather permits a number of sea related activities are undertaken After returning to shore, a debriefing and discussion is held. During this discussion sailing matters as well as personal issues are discussed if raised.

The sessions are designed to:

Teach participants to sail, providing new skills and build confidence Provide a safe haven where the individual has the opportunity to make decisions regarding how to cope with sailing related challenges To challenge participants incrementally at emotional, cognitive, physical and social levels. Measurements are done during the first appointment and at 3 month periods, at the end of the program and twice after the program is completed. Build team and working together and supporting each other

GOALS & OBJECTIVES Delivery of the “Sail for Life” Program to copers of PTSD along with appropriate coaching and psychology aid. Also the inclusion of families where appropriate. Programs to be delivered initially in Brisbane and then grow southwards.

Key benefits to copers:

Building self confidence Assists in improving decision making Grow in a safe team environment Helps with communications Team building Empowerment