Staff and residents at Cabrini House have been celebrating the sailing success of one of their housemates after achieving the Bronze Sailability award.

Ian Gager, resident at Diagrama’s care home for adults with learning disabilities, was presented with his Sailability award at Chipstead Lakes, Sevenoaks on September 6.

Every Tuesday a group of residents from Cabrini House join a Sailability class, where they are taught about the skills of sailing, including how to put on life jackets and how to handle and steer the boat. The activity aims to offer residents the chance to enjoy the freedom of sailing at the same level as able bodied people.

The Sailability award scheme is graded at Entry Level, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Once a person achieves their gold award they are able to sail on their own.

Ian has achieved his Bronze award which means he has learnt how to:  identify and wear a buoyancy aid; cleat and un-cleat a sheet; steer the boat; call for help; identify three parts of the boat using nautical terms; identify jib and mainsail; crew actively and safely; and tie a figure of 8 knot.

Michelle Dyne, Cabrini House residential manager said: “One of the reasons Ian and the other residents enjoy the activity so much is because of the independence it allows them.

“This is a remarkable achievement for someone who is hearing impaired and who finds reading and writing a challenge. We are all very proud of Ian.”

Ian added: “I like sailing because I can do it on my own.”

Cabrini House is situated in Orpington, Kent and currently has vacancies in its newly refurbished accommodation. For more information call our placements team on 0203 137 2378 or email placements@diagrama.org to find out how we can help today.