ABOUT THE ORGANISATION

Tectona Trust was set up in 2009 to support people in recovery from long-term mental health issues, as well as substance and alcohol addiction. Its participants come from all walks of life, with a wide-range of ages and a variety of different experiences. 

Based in Plymouth, Tectona Trust provides participants with sail training voyages and the opportunity to learn about maintaining traditional sailing craft. These activities take people away from their usual environments, help them develop new skills and  confidence, and get them working in teams to build mutually supportive relationships that combat loneliness. All year round, the Trust offers shore-based maintenance activities on its teak tall ship, Tectona, including its total refurbishment, and will return to offering five-day sailing voyages when the refurbishment of the ship is complete. Through monitoring and evaluation, the Trust sees people in recovery building their confidence and resilience before going back into work or volunteering. The organisation itself is entirely volunteer-led and managed.

COMMUNITY-LED REFURBISHMENT

The refurbishment of the Tectona began during the pandemic as an activity that volunteers in recovery could safely take part in to combat isolation. The work continued as the Trust rebuilt the whole interior and parts of the exterior of the ship, which dates from the 1920s. This included bunks, storage, toilets, galley, seating, and the navigation area. 

The refurbishment provided opportunities for volunteers to undertake meaningful work, build skills, and feel a sense of pride – but it is resulted in an improved asset for the Trust’s future work. These improvements mean the organisation can undertake more voyages, with more people on each voyage, for many years to come. As a result, more people will benefit, and the Trust will strengthen its financial position for the long term.

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