Partner testimonials
Woodlands Education Centre
"We are absolutely delighted to have been fortunate enough as an Education Centre to have connected with Oarsome Chance. From the beginning until now the opportunities and experiences that they have offered us have been outstanding. Work with the whole centre for a day produced some excellent results... The relationships built with the most vulnerable, volatile and disadvantaged young people was instant and impressive. Outcomes included increased self confidence, resilience and a sense of achievement at having dared to try something new.
Ongoing projects with our young people have similarly produced extraordinary results, engagement, resilience, increased attendance and one pupil in particular has been transformed by the experience. When initially he was out of education completely, he is now attending, working with Oarsome Chance, doing work experience with them, volunteering with them and looking towards an apprenticeship.
I can not speak highly enough about these projects and I hope in future we can continue to work together on even more."
Deputy Head, Woodlands Centre
Wecock Farm Acorn Community Centre
“This was one of the best Acorn Centre weekends we have ever taken part in. Thank you so much for the incredible amount of hard work you put into making it happen. I cannot begin to explain what an impact it has had... To be part of something real, run by those who know what they are doing is a joy!”
Chair of Trustees
Park Community School, re Freshers Week activities
“Here at PCS we would like to thank you for all the work you guys have put in over the few days. On Monday we had over 170 year 6 students (who will be coming to the school in September) have a go at dry rowing…
I drove one of the busses back to school with 15 very excited students that wanted to row and when they found out about model building this week it was all too much.
So once again thank you for all your help in this.”
Coastal Rowing Project Manager
Home School Link Primary Behaviour Service, East Hants
“M was really struggling in school and was on a short timetable, he always looked forward to the day at Oarsome Chance. This was the only day of the week that M would attend a whole day.
M has shown remarkable change and is now a very happy and much better behaved boy. M has been struggling in school for many years and Oarsome Chance helped him to see positivity in his work and in adults towards him.”
Head of Home School PBS, East Hants
Particpant testimonials
Owen, Year 10
Owen came to Oarsome Chance as part of an alternative provision programme from a Pupil Referral Unit. Owen excelled in the workshop and has produced, with pride, wooden paddles and oars. With mentoring help from our bosun, Owen has been a big help with the prototype Oarsome 16 skiff build.
“I can see where my working life will be. I love being in the workshop working on the boats. With the qualifications I will achieve on the Coastal Maritime Studies and Outdoor Education programme I can see a way to a good job.”
Owen now volunteers with Oarsome Chance and has, through his advocacy, introduced a disengaged and non-school attending friend.
Jack, aged 22
Jack came to Oarsome Chance on an Introduction to Carpentry Skills course for unemployed 18-25 year olds.
He excelled in his first programme producing Level 2 work immediately and showed real love for the carpentry and boatbuilding workshop environment. Having completed the course, Jack volunteered for over 100 hrs, helping with maintenance and new skiff build projects and became a very valued volunteer and member of the team. However, Jack has happily now started a full-time job.
“Just wanted to say thanks for the opportunities you, Les and Oarsome Chance gave me. The course and the time spent volunteering really helped my confidence and I'm very grateful for it”