Focus Point is a personal development and leadership programme designed to use the principles of experiential learning, personal challenge, and internal debriefing. Our Afterguard use well established and proven tools to develop the trainees so that they can embed the soft skills that they need to succeed in today's world.  The programme develops young people at several levels: as individuals; in their relationships with others; and in their contribution to their community. This is done by the experience of achieving as a team and overcoming adversity, trainees will:

• Gain a greater understanding of the importance of teamwork to achieve individual and group goals and a greater ability to successfully contribute to team objectives
• Learn to identify and utilise individual strengths and support weaknesses, identify and implement different leadership styles to achieve different goals
• Develop a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of who they are as an individual. Build a greater sense of what they are capable of accomplishing and appreciate the contribution they can make to their community
• Understand the importance of effective communication in any situation and learn different methods of communication with each other in different circumstances

Focus Point is delivered in three distinct and differing stages. The three stages complement each other and allow a progression route into finally joining the Afterguard as a volunteer. 60% of trainees however sail only once but learn a great deal about themselves as well as improve across a wide range of soft skills. The other 40% will exhibit leadership qualities and/or aptitude to sail and these are invited to continue onto stage 2. By keeping the trainee engaged and allowing them to consolidate their learning really embeds the lessons and skills they have learnt. The final stage will be where they become fully fledged watch leaders and are able to give back their own experiences and lessons learnt during the voyage.

Trainees are encouraged to challenge themselves, pushing their personal boundaries throughout. This helps them get the most out of their voyage. The Skipper and Afterguard try to keep them somewhere between boredom and anxiety – but closer to anxiety. In other words, we aim that they shouldn't be so overwhelmed that they break down and give up, but they also shouldn't be coasting either.

In Sail Training we don't believe in the word can't!

There is nothing stopping a young person taking part in a voyage to eventually become a volunteer Skipper of Helen Mary R! The only thing stopping them will be their own energy, enthusiasm and determination to learn onboard. Trainees will be encouraged to achieve their potential, be encouraged to ask questions, and encouraged to try different activities.

Completing a voyage demonstrates that there might be more to a young person than someone who just sits at home, playing computer games and watching TV. There are plenty of examples of people who have used their voyage with the Project and other sail training organisations as part of a successful college, university or job application.

Even if a young person is a high achiever with a long list of exam passes or successes in other fields, a voyage adds an extra dimension to their record. Here are just a few of the experiences from a voyage which can be relevant in other areas of their life:

• Team working, working with new people & building communication skills
• Building confidence, taking responsibility, developing initiative & overcoming challenges
• Learning new skills & Practising leadership skills
• Tolerance and understanding of other people – especially those from very different backgrounds
• Basic life skills – such as cooking, cleaning and getting up on time
• Seizing opportunities

Trainees will leave our voyages with the skills to grow to full maturity both physically and mentally as individuals. Parents, guardians and group leaders will see a positive change that will be continually developed and guided by our shorebased support even after the voyage has finished.

	Download the Focus Point Programme PDF File (826kb) This document fully explains the detail behind the Focus Point programme
	Download the Focus Point Delivery Manual PDF File (980kb) This document is used by Afterguard to understand how to deliver Focus Point