mhs homes makes a splash

Published by Sarah Crowdy for MHS Homes in Housing and also in Environment

A team from Kent-based mhs homes took to the high seas with a group of young customers from various parts of Chatham, where mhs homes has properties.

The free sailing day which was held at Herne Bay Sailing Club was organised as part of the mhs homes ‘Day for Medway’ pledge, a scheme which allows every member of staff to take an extra day’s paid leave to do work in the community.

The idea for the day came from Brian Golton, Head of Asset Management, a keen sailor and a member of the sailing club. Brian said, "We asked for volunteers from within mhs homes for staff to help run the day.

The team joined five adults and 17 children aged five to 14 to try their hands at navigating across the water in motor boats.

They learned about safety at sea and helped haul the boats into and out of the water."

After a barbecue lunch the group had a go at kayaking and rode the waves on an inflatable craft before an exhilarating trip on a speedboat to the landing stage of the pier, which is 3,000ft from the shore.

The sailing was part of the Olympic legacy to get more people involved in sport.
Terri Capp, volunteer coordinator at Melville and Brompton Community Association said: "It was a lovely day, everyone was so friendly.
"Only one child had sailed before so it was a brand new experience for most of them."

All the sailors were given goody bags by HM Coastguard, which had information about water safety.