A watersports activity centre in Cornwall has separated its charity work from its bookings to make it easier for people to enjoy activities and events.
The former quarry at Trevassack Lake near Garras is home to the Children's Sailing Trust headquarters, a selection of purpose-built accessible holiday homes, and now Children's Sailing Trust Experiences.
A new website has been designed so that people can now book watersports more easily.
It has been created from scratch by marketing manager for CST Katie Chown, who said: "The original Trust website had too much to offer, the messaging was getting lost, so the decision was made to separate the commercial activities from the charitable cause in a way that still portrays the core focus - the children's charity - but makes it easier for people to book watersports."
CST Experience sailing. Credit: childrenssailingtrust.org.uk
Although there are separate websites, they're both linked.
"By having separate but linked websites, CSTX can concentrate on developing as an e-commerce website raising much-needed money to help cover costs for the charity, and the CST website can concentrate on our reason for being - the charitable work we do with schools, home-ed and SEND children in Cornwall," added Katie.
Children's Sailing Trust Experiences brings watersports activities and events on the Helford River and Trevassack Lake to the public, with money raised through bookings helping to support the work the trust does in providing sailing and water sports opportunities to all, whatever the financial situation of their physical or mental ability.
This year marks 25 years of providing local children with sailing opportunities that they would not otherwise get the chance to take part in. The charity aims to help young people's confidence to grow, and to help them learn skills for all aspects of life.
Sailing along the Helford River. Credit: childrenssailingtrust.org.uk
A parent of one school child said: "My daughter's confidence has grown in a very unexpected way. She has been eager to try something new, work with others, and direct others without shying away.
"She has also relished the opportunity to sail independently and with others and direct others without shying away.
"I hadn't anticipated just how much she would enjoy it and how proud she would feel of herself."
The charity relies heavily on grants and donations to cover the running costs of operating subsidised Helford River sailing courses as well as continue providing experiences for young people for another 25 years.
Visitors have the chance to learn how to paddleboard. Credit: childrenssailingtrust.org.uk
All ages and abilities are welcome at Trevassack, with the whole site being developed to be as inclusive and accessible as possible, with hoists and adapted crafts allowing our experienced staff to help people with disabilities to get out on the water.
There are also alternative options for those who don't fancy going into the water. The centre hosts a cafe, and a function room for celebrations and meetings.
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