Kinsale’s Sailing into Wellness among recipients of €2.5 million social innovation funding

 By Tara Maher

Kinsale’s Sailing into Wellness received nearly €2.5 million worth of funding as part of the government’s The New Solutions Scaling Up Scheme. The scheme was established to fund proven social innovation projects that are ready to grow and achieve greater impact.

Sailing into Wellness will use its €295,734.56 grant to establish permanent hubs in areas currently served by its mobile unit, as well as to strengthen its existing operations through initiatives such as a new Trainer pathway. The charity currently operates in Cork, Dublin, Waterford, Limerick, Kerry, Galway and Sligo.

Minister for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan says the government’s  investment in Ireland’s social innovation ecosystem will help tackle poverty, social exclusion and disadvantage through innovative community approaches.

Minister O’Sullivan along with crew members of Sailing Into Wellness in Kinsale Harbour

Minister O’Sullivan said the grants will fund important projects such as Kinsale’s Sailing into Wellness, which provides Educational and Therapeutic Sailing Programmes in Ireland to support and empower people in need.

“I had the privilege recently of crewing the A.K. Ilen around Kinsale harbour with Sailing into Wellness as part of Water Heritage day. They do incredible work, teaching practical, hands-on sailing knowledge with a heave-ho sense of camaraderie,” Minister O’Sullivan said. 

“I was struck by the passion of the team and the transformative effect this programme has on participants. Sailing into Wellness is a powerful example of how creativity and compassion can come together to make lasting change. 

“This funding will allow the organisation to expand its reach and impact across coastal communities, helping more people build skills, confidence and connection.”

The New Solutions Fund, co-funded by the European Social Fund + 2021–2027, supports initiatives that tackle poverty, social exclusion and disadvantage through innovative community approaches.

“The New Solutions Fund represents a major step forward in supporting organisations that apply social innovation to address Ireland’s most pressing challenges,” Minister O’Sullivan said.