Sailing trips offered to help NHS critical care teams in Cornwall decompress after Covid
Project Argo has launched a fundraising initiative to run trips out of Falmouth, to help frontline staff with their mental health
Last updated 25th May 2021
Cornwall's frontline NHS staff are being given the chance to go sailing to decompress after Covid.
Fundraising initiative, Project ARGO, is supporting critical care workers by running trips out of Falmouth, starting with those from the Royal Cornwall Hospital.
It is partnered with charity Turn to Starboard to help with their mental health.
Some have described their working environment as a 'warzone'.
Now they are being paired with volunteer veterans who've already been through a similar programme.
It has won the support of famous faces like double Olympic gold medalist James Cracknell, who visited Cornwall to promote and see the project first-hand!
On its website, Project ARGO is described as "a relief and recovery initiative for our frontline NHS staff, inspired by the military and delivered by veterans".
Project Leader Kaylie Buytenhuys tells us being out on the water can make a big difference.
"Seeing their faces when they return and just being full of energy and having a new sense of hope, just reaffirms that what we're doing is working.
"We haven't forgotten about them and we don't plan to.
"We hear them and we're here to help them get through this.
"There is something truly special about being at sea and sailing.
"And also when you have people with you who understand what you're going through, it creates that sense of camaraderie and it serves as a reminder that we're never alone.
"It has a healing effect and it's just a wholesome experience".
Project Leader, Kaylie Buytenhuys
Critical care nurses have been describing how they have benefited from Project ARGO and thanks the team behind it.
Michelle, said: "I cant even put into words how amazing you made us all feel on our sailing trip.
"You made us escape into a world where all our worries disappeared. I especially loved being with a crew who opened up to tell us why the project was started, after experiencing hard times in the past also".
Justine said: "What a fantastic day with some fabulous people. This was THE most therapeutic experience I've ever had, I feel like a new woman and I now want a boat!
"A massive thank you to the guys at Project ARGO who are kindly doing these days for NHS staff to provide a journey of relief and recovery after the last year".
Stephanie added: "Look how happy we are! My first time to ever experience sailing and Project ARGO was really awesome in making this day unforgettable.
"Let's support this cause in helping the NHS frontline workers de-stress. Let us support each other's health. Not only physically, but also mentally! Kudos Project ARGO - well done!"
Nikki said: "Massive thank you to you all. It really was such a very special day and I can't thank you enough for all of your kindness and understanding. A million thank yous once again".
You can read more about Project ARGO, including how you can support the initative, here.