Shared Stories and Seal Spotting - A Day on the Water with the Hope Trust

Recently, Mind Body & Sea welcomed a brilliant group from the Hope Trust Felixstowe for a relaxing and memorable trip to the Walton Backwaters.

The Hope Trust is a Felixstowe-based charity serving those aged fifty and over in the town and surrounding villages. Their mission is built on kindness and connection, helping individuals find friendship, access community activities, and discover the simple joy of trying something new. From coffee mornings and games clubs to day trips and walking groups, their work is rooted in creating space for companionship and wellbeing.

This particular journey was designed with care and attention, ensuring the boat trip was fully accessible and comfortable for all guests, including those with limited mobility. As we left Levington Marina and made our way through the tranquil waters, guests were able to settle into the rhythm of the journey, with fresh air, gentle conversation, and the excitement of what was to come.

Our destination was the Walton Backwaters, a protected area of winding creeks and mudflats teeming with wildlife. As we reached the quieter waters, the group was treated to a close-up view of a colony of common seals. With pups alongside their mothers, the seals were seen resting in their signature banana-shaped poses on the banks, while others playfully surfaced nearby, gliding through the water in twos and threes. The response on board was one of shared delight. Guests moved between the outside deck and cabin windows to get a better look, and the energy was full of quiet awe and easy laughter.

One of the most touching aspects of the trip was how naturally everyone connected, chatting, reminiscing, and simply enjoying the peace of being together, away from the usual routines of daily life. For some, this was a first-time experience on a boat, and for others, it was a chance to revisit memories of time spent on or near the sea. Either way, the impact was clear: smiles, stories, and a camera roll full of photos to share with family and friends.

Trips like these are about more than just the destination. They are about the chance to slow down, feel the sun on your face, see something remarkable in nature, and enjoy the company of others in a safe and welcoming space. We are proud to work alongside organisations like the Hope Trust, whose work complements our own. By combining their ongoing community care with our time afloat, we can reach more people with experiences that are meaningful, restorative, and joyful.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone from the Hope Trust for joining us. We hope to see you again soon. For more on the Hope Trust, visit: 🌐 www.hopetrust.org.uk

For referrals, partnerships, or general enquiries: 📥 info@mindbodyandsea.co.uk

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Veterans on the Water: Fishing, Friendship, and Fresh Air