The Ithaca Project
Why The Norfolk Broads?
Norfolk has a spectacular landscape and the Broads a stunning network of waterways, it is a place that is often overlooked as people head to our stunning coast or forests instead. Water has been shown by numerous studies to have key benefits for mental health as well, and there’s plenty to explore within the 125 mile network of rivers. The contrast between working in the ambulance service and heading out on onto the Norfolk Broads is stark but simple, it’s about time.
Ambulance work is ever moving and often a fast paced or time critical process with barely a rest in between. However, throwing yourself into life at 4 knots on the broads with barely a phone signal to be had is far from that. As the gentle thrum of the engine propels you along, you gain time to notice.
That heron you were convinced was a riverside ornament will suddenly lift it’s head or the distinctive blue of a kingfisher will flash by. The Broads creates time. Time to think, reset and unload.
Choosing Who To Prioritise
Our purpose is to provide respite and deco mpression cruises to staff deemed at risk of clinical burnout or a mental health crisis.
These are informal and we have a ‘no strings attached’ approach. There is no expectation on staff to open up or discuss anything, we are simply brought together to escape from work-based stressors and enjoy the Broads as both friends and peers. Bespoke cruises are available if required and remain situation dependant.
Each cruise is led by the owners and trained Circus Head volunteers will assist throughout the day and provide peer led support and sign posting to the appropriate services if required.
We are incredibly grateful to the community of boat owners who allow our fellow ambulance staff onto their stunning vessels across the water ways. If you are interested in learning more about the boats and how to get involved then please get in touch.
If you work in the pre-hospital field and wish to explore the Norfolk Broads with us, then please e-mail [email protected] to find out more.
Relax & Unwind
The aim of the Ithaca Project is to give pre-hospital medical staff an opportunity to escape their duties for a few hours so that they can relax and refresh and help find some balance and perspective.
Build Friendships
Long, anti-social shift work can make it difficult to form vital friendships and support networks. We aim to bring more people together.
Mental Health
Staff often spend their working life caring for others and will forget to take care of themselves. We aim to promote and normalise mental health maintenance
The Boats - Kindly Volunteered
The majority of the boats within the Ithaca Project are owned by people within the local boating community. Their eagerness to give back to our staff has afforded us an amazing opportunity to give ambulance crews a path in to nature that may not have taken. Each comes with a vast and rich history in Norfolk or similar waterways; the very nature of these vessels enhances the experience they provide. It is incredibly generous of their owners to donate both their time and share their labours of love to our staff.