Sailing for the Disabled Receives Grant from Manx Lottery Trust for Online Disability Awareness Training

Sailing for the Disabled has been awarded a £5,000 grant from the Manx Lottery Trust’s Community Awards Programme to support the development of a digital Disability Awareness Training (DAT) course, enhancing accessibility, safety and volunteer onboarding across the charity.

As part of its onboarding and refresher process for all members, Sailing for the Disabled currently provides in-person DAT sessions with the support of local experts and volunteers. However, the charity has identified a need to streamline the training process by moving it online, making it more flexible, accessible, and sustainable for the future.

The new digital version of the course will allow volunteers to complete training remotely and at their own pace. This change is expected to reduce administrative workload, increase training capacity, and ensure that up-to-date safety standards are met across the organisation.

Carole Quayle from Sailing for the Disabled said: ‘We’re extremely grateful to Manx Lottery Trust for supporting this important development. Moving our Disability Awareness Training online will make it far easier for members and new volunteers to complete essential training. We’re working with Disability Awareness Consultant Andy Hodkin and our website provider, Governance People, to develop the new course, and their expertise will be invaluable in making sure it's engaging, accessible and effective.

She added: ‘It also supports our wider strategy of streamlining admin tasks, so our volunteers can focus on what matters most, providing life-enriching experiences on the water for our members.’

The integration of the digital training package will be carried out in partnership with local SMEs and supported by the charity’s website provider. Once launched, the course will be accessible via the charity’s new website and available at no cost to participants.

Sarah Kelly, Chairman of Manx Lottery Trust, added: ‘Sailing for the Disabled is a valued community organisation that provides unique and inclusive experiences for people across the Island. We’re pleased to support this project, which will improve accessibility, enhance volunteer engagement, and build long-term sustainability for their important work.’

The Community Awards Programme supports charities and not-for-profit groups that are making a positive and lasting difference in the Isle of Man. For more information about the Manx Lottery Trust and how to apply, visit www.mlt.org.im.