Écovoile is proud to be working with Centr’Elles, a women’s action committee in Avignon, for another year to implement this wonderful project, which uses sailing as a setting for activities that contribute to participants’ well-being and promote their mental health. Écovoile also aims to make the nautical environment more accessible to all.
Throughout the season, this project offered introductory sailing activities and nature and adventure-based interventions to work on self-confidence and other mental health-related issues.
Écovoile kicked off the season with its “Confidence on Board” program. The organization held two workshops at Centr’Elles and two introductory days to cruising sailing at Écovoile. The four participants worked on confidence, self-esteem, and self-awareness through workshops created and led by Cécile Martel Robitaille, as well as hands-on experience on the sailboat. These four days were a real laboratory for self-confidence, where participants stepped out of their comfort zone and tested their ability to push themselves. It was a magical experience, as the participants attest: “I dared to say yes to this project,” “It’s an opportunity to be authentic,” “Sailing allowed me to regulate my emotions,” etc.
The project is continuing with other groups: Centr’Elles, the Baie-des-Chaleurs LGBT+ Association, the St-Alphonse-Nouvelle Volunteer Center with its newcomer integration and reception service, Calacs La Bôme-Gaspésie, and the Maison des Jeunes de Maria. These activities are offered free of charge to their members or beneficiaries.
This project is made possible thanks to financial support from the Avignon RCM, Sail Canada, and Desjardins. A huge thank you to our partners!
The Sailing for All program is funded thanks to the Government of Canada.
