If YOU would like to use our service

We do everything possible to ensure the process of accessing our service is easy. We actively encourage self-referrals, as we believe it is empowering and we have developed a system that is user friendly.

So, after having read our website you would like to discuss one of our programmes in more depth, simply drop us an email, telephone us or write to us. At this point we will ask you a few more questions and establish whether you would like us to send you a referral form (you can also download it from this website- its on the Homepage).

The referral form provides you with the opportunity to tell us why you feel Sea Sanctuary could help. You can also tell us more about you; this might include details of a diagnosis, medication and who else might support you. Once we have received the referral form, we will make contact with you and find a suitable time when it is convenient for you to come in and meet with us. This next stage is called the assessment.

Please don’t worry- despite its formal name, it’s merely a further chance to get to know what we do in more detail. It’s also a great way for us to get a more accurate picture of how we might be able to support you. You can (if you wish) opt to have a support worker or a friend with you during the assessment. We will provide some refreshments during your time with us.

The assessment is a tool that allows us to answer two questions. Is it safe for you to sail with us and is it beneficial? Please allow up to one hour for the assessment.

We will not confirm whether a sail will be offered after the assessment. This is not because we feel making you wait is useful. It is simply because we always discuss placements as a team. Following a team meeting, we will then notify you by telephone which is followed up with an offer letter and a “What you will need onboard leaflet”.

Sometimes, we will not be able to offer a placement. In these circumstances, we will always talk with you and explain our reasons and we will confirm our reasons in writing.

So, if you are reading this, you have already come so far. The next stage is to make contact…….