All-Aboard Watersports are a small Bristol based charity supporting disabled and disadvantaged children and young people. They remove physical, cognitive, emotional and financial barriers to enable access to the water for all, providing sessions and support all year round. This allows individuals to realise their potential and escape debilitating conditions. All-Aboard creates an equal playing field, allowing able bodied and disabled children to support each other and learn.
Young people with disabilities or facing disadvantage often feel isolated and unable to participate in sports and outdoor activities. This could be because of financial barriers, a lack of suitable equipment, expertise, understanding and support. Having a disability or facing disadvantage can limit freedom and independence. All-Aboard aims to provide facilities, support and encouragement for these young people through enriching, empowering and enjoyable water-based activities.
All Aboard offers subsidised sessions, specially adapted boats and equipment and trained instructors to give disabled and disadvantaged children and young people access to the varied health and well-being benefits that watersports provide. Activity on the water provides a social setting which encourages a sense of community, team building and allows individuals to learn new skills, accomplish challenges and re-engage with activities their disability may have separated them from.
Using the medium of water will teach self reliance, teamwork and self belief along with a sense of empowerment, achievement and a time to "just be". Exercise on the water including sailing and paddling, improves not only physical ability and mental health, but also provides respite from debilitating conditions and will help individuals focus beyond their disabilities and provide an activity to look forward to and generate a new network of contacts and friends.
