UPCOMING ACTIVITIES

- RYA Level 2 Powerboat Course, 14th & 15th November

- Register for our 3 day Personal Development Programme, 23rd to 25th October

- Register for our Moving Forward Residential, 18th to 20th September

ONLY 9 SPACES AVAILABLE

THIS WILL SELL OUT QUICK!

YMCA LAKESIDE - 14TH & 15TH NOVEMBER

RYA L2 POWERBOAT COURSE

2 DAY COURSE ON THE WATER WITH ACCOMODATION & FOOD INCLUDED

Join us for our 3rd Powerboat course on Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th November! This is a fantastic opportunity to gain a nationally recognized RYA Powerboat qualification at YMCA Lakeside. Course content includes: Launching and recovery, boat handling, securing to a buoy, anchoring, leaving and coming alongside, and man overboard.

9 spaces available. Accommodation included: Saturday Night plus Food.

Only £100 (normally £300–£400) for Veterans & Blue Light Services

Secure your place today! Complete the form and Pay by Stripe

PAY BY STRIPE

23RD TO 25TH October - YMCA LAKESIDE

3 DAY PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

We have already ran a successful Moving Forward programme earlier this year, a RYA Powerboat course, RYA Dinghy course and we have another sold out Powerboat Course in 2 weeks.We are now looking for delegates to attend our second Moving Forward programme in October, both Veterans and Blue Light Services are welcome, there is a small investment of £50 to secure your place.If you need some chill time to reset, reground yourself, get some much needed head space from the rat race they call life or simply fancy a refresh of what you already know then jump on.

Small charge of £50 applies.

MOVING FORWARD RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMME - 18TH TO 20TH SEPTEMBER

Free Residential at YMCA Lakeside, on the shores of Lake Windermere.

Starts Friday 18th September 2026 for 3 nights.

YMCA Lakeside outdoor education centre is a dedicated site designed to offer personal development programmes to people of all ages. We will use the modern facilities and have exclusive access to everything the site offers for the weekend. The Moving Forward programme will use the lake, the surrounding fell side and the woodland to support our key themes. Our approach to all outdoor exercises and group work is ‘Challenge By Choice’. Only you can decide how involved you want to be in any of the activities.

All meals will be fully catered, and you will have a single, ensuite room (using the bunk rooms pictured). Lakeside is not a hotel, but it still provides a comfortable, supportive environment for everyone on the programme. The staff are on hand to support you throughout your time at Lakeside. Our course is designed for veterans struggling with anxiety, loss of confidence, or indecision. For others, it can deepen into isolation, poor life choices, or a feeling of no longer belonging. Our residential programmes are designed to intervene before people reach crisis point - offering space, structure, and skilled support at a moment when it can make a real difference.

During the programme, participants are supported to:

Make sense of their military experiences and recognise the strengths they still carry forward
Gain clarity on their current situation without judgement or pressure
Rebuild a sense of identity, purpose, and personal direction
Develop motivation and realistic plans for civilian life
Begin addressing post-service needs in a constructive, confidence-building way
Access employment-related support

Who the Programme is for: Organisations supporting individuals who:

Are approaching transition or have recently left the Armed Forces
Struggle with identity, direction, or confidence post-service
Would benefit from structured reflection, peer connection, and future-focused planning
Are based in Cumbria & Lancashire

Our approach is aspirational, individual-centred, and grounded in respect.

We don't tell people who they should become – we help them rediscover who they already are, and how to move forward with resilience and purpose.

Your support network awaits

You’re not alone in this journey.

Many veterans and their families face challenges that seem daunting. Feeling isolated and struggling with mental health are common experiences after Serving. At Veterans Connect North, we understand the unique transition back to civilian life. We offer free social and well-being activities that connect you with others who share similar experiences. By engaging with our community, you’ll regain your confidence, foster new friendships, and ultimately thrive in a supportive environment. The journey towards healing begins with taking action and seeking help.