Our Programmes
Sailing and outdoor adventures designed for neurodivergent people.
Why Sailing and the Outdoors?
Life on the water offers something unique. It takes people out of their usual environments and places them in a space where teamwork, connection, and discovery happen naturally. For many, it’s a chance to try something new, build friendships, and develop skills in a way that feels different from school, work, or home.
We welcome neurodivergent people aged 12 and over, with separate trips for under-18s and over-18s. Every trip is inclusive, supportive, and designed to create lasting impact.
The Experience That Empowers
Connect With Your Crew
Build lasting friendships with people who understand.
Safe Space to Grow
A non-judgemental environment where you can just be yourself.
Laughter & Shared Adventure
From water fights to shore trips, joy is part of the journey.
Mentorship & Guidance
Volunteers and crew offer insight, support, and encouragement.
Challenge Through Adventure
Step out of your comfort zone and discover your potential.
Boost Your Confidence
Achievements onboard translate into lasting self-belief and confidence.
Foster Independence
Take on responsibilities that build life skills and personal growth.
Embrace Your Strengths
Celebrate your unique neurodivergent thinking.
Navigate New Horizons
Experience the freedom of sailing and discovering new places.
Nature’s Healing Therapy
Feel the wellbeing benefits of blue and green spaces.
Creative Reflection Time
Storytelling, journaling, or group chats to process the day.
Transformative Journeys
Not a holiday, but a purposeful adventure that shows what you’re capable of.
Example Activities
Take the helm or help set the sails
Share a seaside BBQ or fish and chips
Explore the shore - crabbing, trails, harbours
Join in epic water fights on sunny days
Play team-building games that build trust
Enjoy ice cream at the harbour
Take part in focus sessions on wellbeing
Try creative tasks like knot-tying or baking
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Who Can Join?
Our trips are open to neurodivergent people aged 12 and over. You don’t always need a formal diagnosis – places can also be offered based on a profile of need, considered on a case-by-case basis.
We run separate groups for 12-17s and 18+, so everyone is with peers at a similar stage of life.
No sailing experience is needed – just bring curiosity and a willingness to try.
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Volunteers (18+)
Our programmes wouldn’t be possible without volunteers. Whether you’re a sailor, a parent, a professional, or someone newly exploring your own neurodivergence, you can play a part.
Volunteers support onboard, outdoors, or behind the scenes – shaping inclusive, life-changing opportunities for others.
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Where Do We Go Sailing?
Our trips set sail from the Hamble River and explore the Solent, one of the UK’s most exciting waterways. Each journey takes in stunning coastlines, vibrant harbours, and new horizons every day.
- Stop-offs often include places like Yarmouth, Lymington, Cowes, or Portsmouth with time to explore ashore and soak up the atmosphere.
Looking Ahead
At The Neurodivergence Project, we’re just getting started. Our programmes create powerful moments of confidence and connection – but lasting impact also comes from continuing opportunities. That’s why our vision reaches further: delivering our core work more widely and building stronger networks for neurodivergent people and their families.
Through Around Britain for Neurodiversity, we’ll take this mission nationwide — using sailing and community events to raise awareness and create meaningful impact both on board and in every port we visit.
Return Programmes
Ongoing outdoor experiences to strengthen skills, grow confidence, & support personal progress, with opportunities to work towards qualifications.
Peer Mentoring & Counselling Access
Creating pathways for participants to mentor others, while funding quicker access to counselling for those waiting on talking therapies.
Beyond Sailing
Expanding into land-based adventures, from hiking, camping, to watersports, alongside workshops for educators & employers to foster inclusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
We offer places free of charge, with priority given to those from NEET or low-income backgrounds, as this reflects some of the funding received. All meals, sailing equipment, and activities are included.
Not at all! No prior experience is needed. Our skippers and volunteers will guide you.
No - you don’t need to swim to take part. Lifejackets are always worn on deck, and safety is our top priority.
Yes - there are always several trained first aiders on each programme. Some volunteers are responsible for medication, and safety protocols are in place.
We can accommodate many different needs. Once you apply, you’ll be asked to complete an onboarding form (a profile of need) so we can understand your support requirements, and you’ll be invited to attend a meeting with our team to talk through any adjustments you may need.
We provide all meals, with options for allergies or specific dietary requirements. Sharing food together is part of the experience.
Yes! Most people come alone, and by the end, you’ll have made new friendships and feel part of a crew.
That’s natural. Our skippers and volunteers are supportive, and evening focus sessions help everyone feel at ease.
You can learn to sail, take the helm, trim sails, cook, or simply relax - it’s your choice.
We provide all essential sailing kit. Once signed up, you’ll receive a full kit list. Just bring comfortable clothes, toiletries, a sleeping bag, and any medication.
Each trip usually has around 12 to 16 participants in total, though numbers can vary depending on funding and boat availability. On each boat, there are typically between 4 & 6 participants supported by a skipper and volunteers.
Yes! Each boat has a toilet, and we stop at marinas with showers and full facilities.
The trips run between 2 and 5 days. Usually, partcipants arrive on Monday and leave on Friday Morning.
We help organise travel for all participants coming from across the UK, so you don’t need to worry about getting to the starting point.
We adapt the plan to keep everyone safe. Even if sailing is limited, there will always be activities on board or ashore.
Yes. Alongside sailing and activities, there’s downtime for chatting, reading, or simply enjoying the sea air.
We’ll stay in touch through our community events and updates. There may also be opportunities to return, build more skills, or get involved as a volunteer in the future.
Register Your Interest!
If you’re interested in our 12–17 trips or our 18+ trips and support – or you’re signing up on someone’s behalf – please complete this short form. All opportunities are subject to our Eligibility Criteria and a quick chat to make sure the support is right for you. Prefer to talk – call: 0300 302 0373 or email: participants@neurodivergenceproject.org
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