Until the sea is a safe place for all, until the borders fall
For many people, the sea represents a place of solace. A place of joy.
Increasingly, it is also being recognised as a healing space, in recent work on blue mind or blue health. Yet for people who have experienced trauma at sea- particularly refugees, asylum seekers and other displaced people, the sea may be a sad, dangerous place.
A place of loss. A place of fear.
The sea itself does not discriminate between people based on their passport or their backgrounds. However, when hostile borders are drawn in the middle of the sea by state authorities, the sea becomes weaponised.
Reclaim The Sea aims to share tools to enable people to reclaim the sea as a safe space when it has previously been one of trauma.
What We Do
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Reclaim
Reclaiming the sea means reclaiming possibility and joy. Through our Reclaim programmes, we provide people with tools to reconnect with the ocean. These trauma-informed programmes, which can include swimming, surfing, and paddleboarding lessons, are designed to break down barriers to access, affirm and instill self-confidence, and foster a sense of belonging.
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Campaign
Reclaim the Sea campaigns for safe passage, freedom of movement, and the right to refuge. Through our work, we push for policies that uphold dignity and protect people. We are committed to amplifying the voices of those fighting for a world where no one has to risk their life at sea in search of sanctuary.
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Explain
Stories shape understanding and art can spark change. Reclaim the Sea curates a powerful collection of stories, articles, poetry, and art that illuminate the realities of border politics and the militarisation of the sea, as well as what it would mean to reclaim it as a space of safety and belonging. By explaining our mission through information, perspectives, and creative expression, we highlight the sea’s potential to heal.
Watch our film
Between the waves, their stories unfold.
Displacement is personal. Follow a few of Reclaim the Sea’s programme participants as they reclaim the ocean as a place of healing, reconnect with their confidence, and rebuild their sense of community. Thank you to our film sponsors Herd Outdoor Apparel and Vvast for their support!
Get involved
The sea is for everyone and we each have a role to make it a place of safety and belonging. Join the movement to reclaim the sea for all.
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![A man stands holding thumbs up before a race for charity]()
Fundraise
Together, we can turn the tide. Use our guide to host a fundraiser for Reclaim the Sea and help us raise funds to support programmes for people who have been displaced.
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![Two women support another woman learning to swim]()
Volunteer
Your time and energy can make waves of change. We’re always looking for passionate people to lead and support our programmes, drive creative fundraising efforts, and assist with day-to-day operations.
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![A girl smiling in a pool in the sunshine]()
Donate
Donate today to be part of our movement to reclaim the sea.Your generous support fuels our mission to harness the ocean’s power to restore dignity and build community for people who have been displaced.
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“when I came here I wasn’t happy, but now I am happy. I found many friends here, I see many kind people here. They help me for swimming, for paddle boarding and for surfing and its very nice."
Zara
Reclaim Programme Participant
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