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RNSA YOUTH CREW

Our wonderful friends at Greenwich Hospital and the Royal Naval Sailing Association (RNSA) are delighted to provide free sailing opportunities for children of families of personnel serving in the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Fleet Auxiliary. This is a super exciting chance to support Service families and introduce them to the fun and many benefits of sailing. 

The dedicated courses aim is to get hundreds of 8-17 year olds sailing in 2025 and beyond.  They will be doing everything they can to make these weeks fully accessible and inclusive with no previous experience needed. The project will include a water safety element to help develop confidence for those less well versed with the sea! Please do get in touch as sailing is not only great fun, but also provides a great vehicle for building a whole range of skills in young people as well as enhancing fitness and well-being.

For 2025 some great changes have been made including:

  • RNSA Youth Crew is now available to the 8-17 year olds of serving RN, RFA and RM families.
  • Fully funded by Greenwich Hospital and delivered through the Andrew Simpson Foundation.
  • All equipment provided and no expense to the participant.
  • Residential and Weekly courses in the School Holidays. 
  • 8 locations across the country from Cornwall to Scotland.
  • Participants can achieve their RYA 1&2 and Swim Safe in Beginner Sailing Weeks.
  • New Improver Sailing Weeks for 2024 returnees to achieve their RYA 3& 4
  • Windsurfing courses in specific locations.
  • Members of RNSA Youth crew will have open access to regular participation sailing clubs, with the first 10 sessions being fully subsidised.

Find all the details here:  https://rnsayouthcrew.org.uk/

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How we can help you

Apply for Financial Assistance using the Lightning Reach portal.

For applications for financial assistance you can apply by clicking on Register for Help below which will take you to the Lightning Reach portal. This platform is provided by our trusted partner, Lightning Reach, a social impact startup which uses secure technology to make the application process as quick and safe as possible for you.

Register for Help
A simple 3 step process
  1. Register and complete your profile here
    When asked to specify which of the Armed Forces you have served in, make sure to select ‘Royal Navy’, ‘Royal Marines’, ‘Merchant Navy in support of the Armed Forces’ or from the roles / industries list to ensure you are matched to Naval Children’s Charity.

  2. Once you’ve completed your profile, you should receive a support match to The Naval Children’s Charity. Click ‘continue’ to complete and submit your application.

  3. Provide your supporting evidence and submit your application to The Naval Children’s Charity.

Once your application has been made a caseworker will be in touch as soon as possible, this is usually within 3 days.

The profile you create on the Lightning Reach portal can also help you to find and apply for support from other support organisations easily and securely. We recommend that you submit your application to The Naval Children’s Charity first before submitting applications to other organisations.

For help with completing your application, visit Lightning Support and search for ‘The Naval Children’s Charity’.

If you have a question or not sure what help you need and require information or advice please use this online form.

Online Enquiry Form
Alternatively, If you would prefer to call our casework team, we can be contacted on 023 9263 9534, our office hours are 0830-1600 Monday to Friday.

How we can help you

The Naval Children’s Charity supports children up to and including the age of 25 whose parent(s) serve or have served in the Naval Service: Royal Navy, Royal Marines, QARNNS, WRNS, their Reserves and the RFA. If you need information or advice regarding support for your child(ren) please fill in the form to the best of your knowledge. One of our caseworkers will then contact you.

If you would prefer to call us we can be contacted on 023 9263 9534, our office hours are 0830-1600 Monday to Thursday and 0830-1300 on Friday.