• posted by Kim Larochelle |
• category: About The Helmsman Project 

The Helmsman Project celebrated four years of operations last month, a milestone to which more than 120 volunteers have contributed and which has impacted just over 300 young lives. It has been no small feat - hope, self-regulation and resilience have been essential ingredients to our progress.

• posted by The Helmsman Project |
• category: Adventure education , Coaching , Life skills 

Young people who have been affected by disadvantage have had many experiences that required them to develop a range of coping mechanisms, many of which are admirable life skills. However, it is typical for young people in these circumstances to experience lower levels of support, which makes it difficult for them to realise they possess these valuable attributes. Other life skills may be underdeveloped. For example, the concept of ‘hope’ is closely connected to having a broad perspective of what is possible in the world… And exposure to disadvantage does not typically foster the development of such a perspective.

• posted by Dr Michael Cavanagh |
• category: About The Helmsman Project , Life skills 

The Helmsman Project is an innovative blend of developmental coaching and adventure education targeted toward Year 9 students who are at risk of not fulfilling their potential. These students are drawn from schools located in communities affected by disadvantage. At its essence, the program seeks to help the students take bigger perspectives on themselves, others and the world. By doing this we help them build hope, self-regulation and resilience.

• posted by Simon Paterson |
• category: Life skills 

For a community like mine, the Helmsman Project provided opportunities for learning and growth that go beyond what we can deliver at school or at home. This wonderful program unearths hidden strengths and talents, which my students will take with them into their adult lives.

• posted by The Helmsman Project |
• category: About The Helmsman Project , Adventure education , Life skills 

According to some researchers, self-regulation is one of the most important factors for encouraging academic engagement and preventing risky behaviour. While this is a skill that is important in every stage of life, it is particularly important for young people who are making critical decisions about their futures.

• posted by The Helmsman Project |
• category: About The Helmsman Project , Adventure education , Life skills 

For those who aren’t familiar with the word ‘helmsman’ it can be a little bit of a tongue twister. The ‘helm’ is what steers a ship, usually it’s a wheel. The ‘helmsman’ is the person in charge of steering the ship. He or she guides the rest of the crew to reach their destination.

• posted by The Helmsman Project |
• category: Fundraising 

As a not-for-profit, The Helmsman Project relies on the generosity of organisations and individuals to make a difference in the lives of young people from communities affected by disadvantage. Every dollar counts so we have come up with a few simple ways you could fundraise for The Helmsman Project.

When we asked Shania what The Helmsman Project was about, she responded: "The Helmsman Project is about you... You becoming a better person; You changing for the better."

Emma Roulston was a participant in The Helmsman Project’s Summer 2015 program and “came out of it totally changed”. Her journey is one that inspires us...

My name is Rashad. In my sixteen years, I have had two life-changing journeys on a boat. The first was when I came out to Australia from Afghanistan. The second was The Helmsman Project.

What an amazing journey. Arriving here today represents a significant achievement for a number of
people.

The Helmsman Project empowers young people to reach out to their local communities and, through this, to fulfil their own potential.