Galliford Try sponsors Turn to Starboard charity

Topic People, Sustainability

Date 26 May 2023

Galliford Try is proud to sponsor Forces sailing charity, Turn to Starboard (T2S), which supports veterans who have been affected by life in service.

The Falmouth-based veterans sailing charity assists veterans and their families in adjusting to life after operational tours, using sail training aboard their fleet of yachts and their 92ft traditionally built Schooner which was donated by The Princes Trust.

The organisation provides over 500 sailing opportunities every year as well as offering veterans the opportunity to undertake the Royal Yachting Association Yachtmaster programme which involves sailing 2,500 nautical miles and learning various other sailing skills. Their focus is on resettlement, reintegration and reinforcing a sense of value and belonging for veterans, in an experience delivered on the water where individuals can meet people facing similar challenges, and gain valuable skills that apply to everyday life.

Bill Hocking, Chief Executive of Galliford Try, commented: "It is a pleasure for us to sponsor Turn to Starboard. They are a brilliant organisation who have changed the lives of many serving and former military and service personnel. This ethos resonates with our own values as an ex-military friendly organisation, supporting leavers of the military to transition into a civilian career.

"The partnership builds on our commitment to The Armed Forces Corporate Covenant, which we have pledged to since 2016, and our work with the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) to support Forces leavers with resettlement.”

Shaun Pascoe, CEO and founder of T2S, added: “We have probably created upwards of 5,500 sailing opportunities in the last 10 years but are unable to do this without the support of extraordinary organisations like Galliford Try who step forward with support. Such numbers might look impressive, but for us they don’t really tell the full story. Many of these stories are deeply personal and are about facing adversity and rising to the challenge in what is a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment. We do this in the hope that we can improve someone’s life and just very occasionally save one.”