Peters & May Foundation supports educational initiatives with Teen Marine UK

After bespoke logistics provider Peters & May launched the Peters & May Foundation last month, it is with great pleasure that the charity continues its support for Teen Marine.

Formed by three Metropolitan police officers in 2013, the charity aims to achieve positive change through the advancement of education within the maritime environment. Focused on the provision of RHIB training and experiences for vulnerable people, Teen Marine all started with ‘Hot Fuzz’, a vessel donated to the cause by the Royal Gibraltar Police.

Now a source of joy and education for beneficiaries of the charity, the RHIB renamed ‘Hot Fuzz’ has certainly had a dark past.  Originally used in the smuggling of drugs and contraband between Morocco and Spain, the RHIB was seized by Gibraltarian police. Peters & May’s and subsequently the Peters & May Foundation’s commitment to Teen Marine, started after the charitable donation of the vessel by the Gibraltarian forces.

Organising the patriation of the RHIB back to Hamble, UK, the trustees have been invested in Teen Marine every step of the way as David Holley, Peters & May Foundation Trustee explains: “It’s a great initiative. More than just education, the work carried out at Teen Marine secures the future for vulnerable members of the next generation. When we heard about the plans of Teen Marine, of course we were on board straight away.”

After the re-fit of the RHIB, the team started work with young and vulnerable youth groups around the inner-city boroughs of London. Since, initiatives at the charity have been diverse; centred around education and safety. Martyn Potter explains: “Located on the River Hamble, the Solent is our playground with a wealth of resource at our disposal. The educational sessions we provide cover a range of topics. One day leaders could be running a session on wildlife in Newtown Creek, the next, teaching youths about tidal streams and water safety.”

Since supporting the charity, over £7,500 has been raised and donated towards the operating and running costs of the RHIB. Donations go towards a variety of charity overheads. Expensive but necessary, these costs range from marine insurance, to maintenance, and even training. Martyn explains: “Working with Police Cadets and Scouting Associations, we train leaders so they can gain the qualifications and licences required to take their youth groups out on ‘Hot Fuzz’.

“For every eight teenagers on board, we need two leaders to ensure maximum safety. Working with youth groups, it’s essential that we have the highest level of safety and equipment. We simply couldn’t operate without the support of the Peters & May Foundation alongside our other donators.”

Looking to the future with the continued support of the Peters & May Foundation, Teen Marine plans to increase volunteers for 2019, training more individuals and increasing capacity to take young groups out on the water!

To find out more about the Peters & May Foundation and their support of Teen Marine, visit their website.