This year we are introducing a new initiative supported by Highlife Highland to get adults into paddle sports for their mental health and wellbeing.
Blue Journeys are personal and self-driven routes into blue space activity with clear targets to achieve and milestones to mark your progress. Our volunteers, partners and providers will support you on the way to gaining at least one recognised award in your chosen discipline and guide you on how to take your blue journey forward in the future.
At the moment we are aiming to provide journeys towards qualification in Sea Kayak, Stand up Paddle boarding and Open Swimming. These awards may be at various levels depending on progress, but will generally be a first step into the activity recognised by Paddle UK, the governing body for paddlesports, or the Swimming Teachers Association for Open Water Swiming. We will also be encouraging learning in a variety of different way including online courses to aid your journey.
How it works
| Stage | Activity |
| Self-referral | You apply to be part of your own Blue Journey through self referral. The link to do so is at the bottom of this page. There are limited places so please read the Terms & Conditions before applying. |
| Initial Session | You may have already attended a session with us and know what you want to focus on. If not you will be invited to try out different activities. The focus will be on the NHS Five Steps and activities you have undertaken. |
| Training | You will be allocated a mentor from our volunteers who will encourage and support you through your journey. We will identify opportunities for you to practice and develop the skills in your chosen area (or areas). We may link you to a local club or peer group for this. |
| Goals | You will set goals for yourself. You may wish simply to make a start and build confidence in one blue space activity or you may wish to achieve far more. We will consider prior experience to help you achieve your goals, whatever they are. |
| Volunteering | As part of your journey we will encourage you to give back to your community in some way. It could be through Blue Space Highland or club volunteering, or even supporting another candidate with their journey. It is all driven by you! |
| Prize Day! | You will work towards the agreed level award. This will demonstrate your competence in the activity. |
The Journey
We will encourage you to think about your journey and you may wish to discuss it with your mentor. This is based on the NHS Five steps as we aim to take you on a Blue Journey to discover how water-based activities increase your wellbeing.
| NHS Five Steps | Actions/Journal Entries |
| Connecting with Others | Attending sessions/joining a club/group |
| Being Active | Attending formal activities and peer sessions. Practice and becoming a regular with exercise. |
| Learning New Skills | Trying out new things/attaining an award/online courses |
| Mindful of nature | Taking time to stop and notice during sessions/learning about the environment and nature |
| Giving to Others | Volunteering for local charities/supporting peers with their journey |
Your Wellbeing
Along the way we will encourage you to check in with your wellbeing score using the online wellbeing survey. This is purely for your own information although you may wish to share it with your mentor.
Applying
Whether you have already been on a session with us or completely new we would like to join you on your journey
To apply complete the form below or use this link if it is not showing on your browser.