Thanks to the Shipwrights’ Company from AHOY
After what has been an extremely challenging time for all I wish to start by thanking you once more for your commitment, flexibility and unflinching support for AHOY over the past 18 months. During this time our staff have – and continue to – work tirelessly to ensure our projects and activities remain accessible and safe for our community and beneficiaries to participate in. This is at a time where services like AHOY are playing a pivotal role in the reintegration of alternative provision – our impact and work is never more needed.
I am writing to inform you of a change of staffing within AHOY which sees Anthony Mason, our Programmes Manager, leave AHOY for pastures new. You may well be aware of the passion and commitment Anthony has brought to his work at the AHOY over many years. That commitment means he leaves the AHOY in a strong position to take on new challenges in the coming years.
The trustees and senior leadership team would like to reassure you that your project and associated outcomes will not be affected by the change and it is ‘business as usual’ at The AHOY Centre. We have put in place a succession plan which secures our accreditation with the RYA and, most importantly, enables us to continue to deliver our programmes safely and to the high standards you have come to expect from The AHOY Centre.
Your support and its impact remains instrumental to achieving the aims and objectives of our charity and is greatly appreciated.
Mid-year progress review
Following a challenging first quarter of 2021 where restrictions continued to cause some disruptions to our projects and their on water activities, we’re extremely pleased to share that:
- 100% of our apprentices have been retained to their project. All 6 are progressing well and are beginning to be introduced to our other projects – offering peer to peer support and inspiring a younger generation to succeed. Both apprentices whose project was extended to May 2021 successfully completed and are now in employment within the maritime industry.
- 16 disabled adults are now regularly attending their project, with numbers increasing as confidence builds within the community groups through participation in new activities. Our outreach programme continues to engage new individuals.
- 327 young people have participated or are enrolled to participate in our projects during 2021 to date.
- In excess of 190 qualifications have been awarded to date in 2021 ranging from Sailing stages 1, 2, 3; First Aid, Powerboating and VHF.
- Volunteer programme ‘Friends of AHOY’ is now fully operational and following a recruitment drive, engagement has increased. This has led to a diverse range of skilled personnel offering their time from community engagement, administration, maintenance and event support.
- Achievement of Bronze Level Quality Mark, London Youth’s accreditation which provides organisations with a badge of excellence for the work we do for and with young people.
As we continue to plan and provide innovative training and activities for our beneficiaries for the remainder of 2021, we can’t help but have one eye set on 2022 and how we can best meet the needs of our community and deliver even greater impact. We’re very excited as to what the future holds for our charity and look forward to future opportunities to share this with you.
On behalf of everyone at AHOY, I thank you once again for the support you have shown to AHOY – without you, the charity may have had a different story to tell at this stage of the year. You’ve helped us stay resilient and (most importantly) available for our service users.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Alternatively, as we are now in a position to welcome guests and visitors back to the AHOY please do come and visit our wonderful centre on the banks of the Thames at Deptford.
Dan O’Sullivan
Fundraising Manager
