Matthew from Peterborough supported living champions sailing certificate

Matthew from New Road sitting in a canoe smiling because he received sailing certification

Matthew Robinson, 46, who has Trisomy 18 and is autistic,  has achieved his entry level certificate in sailing after eight years’ experience.

Matthew was diagnosed with the conditions when he was a child, as well as complex learning difficulties. After growing up in Canada and moving to the UK, he has been supported by a Salutem Care and Education supported living service in Peterborough for nine years.

His local sailing school started providing lessons for individuals with disabilities and complex needs in 2014, and Matthew has been an avid participant ever since.

Matthew requires round the clock support, so when he first started sailing, he had a support worker and a sailing teacher with him on the boat. Now, he has the confidence to steer the boat by himself and is able to go out on the water with only the instructor.

 

Matthew from New Road standing lakeside with his instructor smiling while holding the sailing certification he received

 

Sailing is one of Matthew’s passions however, because it is a seasonal activity, he can only go out on the boat between April and October. When asked about what he thinks of his experience with sailing, he simply stated: “I love it.”

 

John Godden MBE, CEO of Salutem Care and Education, said: “Well done Matthew, what an amazing achievement. It is inspiring to see that he has such a passion for sailing.

“At Salutem, we are all about making the individuals we support comfortable and push them to get involved with as many activities they can. We are looking forward to getting Matthew back on the water and to see what he can achieve next.”

 

Matthew from New Road sitting in a canoe smiling because he received sailing certification

 

Salutem Care and Education supports children, young people and adults with learning and physical disabilities, mental health needs, challenging behaviours, and autism at more than 120 homes, schools, day services, transition services and colleges nationwide.

We pride ourselves on delivering person-centric care, support, and education to enable the individuals we support to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives.

Salutem Care and Education – Celebrating Nuerodiversity week

Salutem Care and Education – Celebrating Nuerodiversity week

At Salutem, we proudly celebrate Neurodiversity Week, embracing the many ways people think, learn, and experience the world. This week is all about raising awareness, breaking down barriers, and championing inclusion—not just for the people we support, but for our incredible employees too.

Salutem Care and Education – John Godden Honary Award

Salutem Care and Education – John Godden Honary Award

We are proud to celebrate a remarkable achievement for our CEO, John Godden, who has been awarded an honorary degree from Kingston University. This prestigious recognition was presented at the university’s final graduation ceremony in acknowledgment of John’s outstanding contributions to the care and education of people with complex needs.