Ian Barette's Colleagues at Wetwheels
Ian Barette's Contact Details
Jersey
Wetwheels
Ian Barette's Company Details
Wetwheels builds disabled people's confidence by providing the opportunity to access the sea in a fun, safe, stimulating and rewarding way using specially modified, fully accessible powerboats. With the support of our donors and partner organisations we provide water-based activity experiences for disabled people on board our specially designed boats, from centres within local communities. Our adventurous trips afloat are staffed by specialists who ensure each person can share experiences, challenge their self-perceptions, extend their horizons, and discover new opportunities.Beneficiaries are active participants, rather than simply passengers, with the opportunity to steer the vessel and learn seamanship, alongside their peers, friends, and families. The experience is truly inclusive helping to improve aspirations and increase confidence. Our own research tells us more than 80% of Wetwheels' participants have never previously been on the sea. When asked why, the reason given is that the opportunity had not existed before. Disabled people can face particular challenges developing confidence, self-belief, self-worth and independence and many do not reach their potential in life. Most are very able but are restricted by low aspiration and lack of opportunity, which often impacts on wellbeing, the ability to live a full life and make a valuable contribution to society.Wetwheels is an inspiring organisation where perceived barriers are reassessed, new skills are learned and new-found independence is discovered. Participants are able to have a single experience or return over time to develop new skills.