Thames Valley Police and Tall Ships Trust: Sailing Toward Stronger Communities
When policing and community organisations work together, great things happen. Over the last few months, Thames Valley Police partnered with the Tall Ships Youth Trust to give 40 young people from Shenley Brook End School, Milton Keynes Academy, Lord Grey Academy and Stantonbury School a life-changing experience at sea.
The Tall Ships Trust is the UK’s oldest and largest youth development sailing charity. Over the years, the trust has helped more than 120,000 young people sail over two million nautical miles, building confidence, resilience, and teamwork through transformational adventures.
For many of these students, it was their first time seeing the sea. Over the course of a week, they became a crew: cooking meals, cleaning the ship, navigating the waters, and learning to sail. It wasn’t just about sailing, it was about discovering independence and realising what they can achieve when they work together.
This opportunity was funded through the Police Property Act, which allows money seized from criminals to be reinvested in local communities. Helping young people grow and thrive is a powerful example of turning crime into something positive.
Students and school staff reflected on the experience, saying:
“The sea was rough at first, but the crew made sure we conquered our fears and had a go at something new. We learned cool names of knots and how to tie them, and even cooked while the boat tilted like a terrible roller coaster! We had to work really hard with winching in and using a lot of our strength to keep the poles stable and the sails secure. It was really funny when we were allowed to call the teachers their real names!”
“It was tough, emotional, at times hilarious, at other times testing, but ultimately so worth it.”
On Friday, 14th November, our local team, along with Chief Constable Jason Hogg and Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber, attended an award ceremony at Milton Keynes Academy to celebrate the students’ achievements. During the event, certificates were presented to recognise their hard work and commitment during the voyage.
Chief Constable Jason Hogg said:
“The Tall Ships Project is more than sailing; it’s a life-changing experience for young people who’ve faced challenges. Through teamwork, resilience, and leadership, they uncover strengths that shape brighter futures for themselves and our communities.
Alongside initiatives like Police Cadets and partnerships with organisations such as the Scouts, these projects build confidence, skills, and responsibility. They show how volunteering benefits individuals and strengthens communities, creating safer environments for all. Seeing the determination on board was inspiring and reinforces why Thames Valley Police works with partners to deliver opportunities that make a real difference. Every young person deserves the chance to thrive, and together, we can make that happen. Thank you to everyone who made this project a success. It’s a privilege to see policing play a part in something so transformative.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber added:
“Providing opportunities to disadvantaged or vulnerable young people can make a huge difference to those individuals and their communities. It can empower young people with the confidence to realise their potential and in some cases, change the course of their lives.
“I’m pleased to be able to support the Tall Ships programme through the Community Fund and to have the opportunity today to meet some of the young people benefitting from this transformative experience.”
The programme also included an environmental challenge, supporting Thames Valley Police’s green agenda. Students learned about sustainability by planning meals to reduce food waste, sourcing local produce, and cutting down on packaging. They also explored energy-saving ideas, like reducing mobile phone use and switching to battery-powered lamps. These practical lessons showed how small changes can make a big difference.
After reviewing feedback and the Skipper’s observations, Milton Keynes Academy received the Thames Valley Environmental Award for their outstanding commitment to sustainability during the voyage.
Sergeant Tom Kelly, from our Harm Reduction Unit at Milton Keynes, who helped select the schools to take part in this fantastic opportunity, said:
“It’s a real privilege to stand among these incredible young people and schools who took part in the Tall Ships Youth Trust. When Milton Keynes was chosen for this opportunity, I was excited to help select the schools and see the impact first-hand.
This project shows how money that once represented harm can be turned into something positive, giving young people experiences and confidence that will stay with them for life. Watching them rise to every challenge, build friendships, and discover their strengths has been inspiring. It proves that when you step outside your comfort zone, amazing things can happen.”
Why this community partnership is important to Thames Valley Police?
This project proves that even the proceeds of crime can be turned into something positive. By investing in young people, we’re giving them confidence, skills, and experiences that will shape their futures, while inspiring the next generation to care for and build trust and confidence with our communities.
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