Mind Body & Sea concludes project Vitamin Sea after supporting 172 people across East Suffolk

As 2025 draws to a close, Mind Body & Sea marks the successful conclusion of its Vitamin Sea project, an inclusive, water-based wellbeing initiative delivered across East Suffolk.

Launched on 1st May 2025, the project was designed to support mental wellbeing, reduce loneliness, and help address social isolation by reconnecting people with nature and with each other through East Suffolk’s blue spaces.

Delivered from Levington Marina, activities included guided river cruises, wildlife observation, beginner fishing workshops, and photography composition sessions. Central to the project was the use of the vessel Neverland, a versatile and stable powered boat offering comfort both inside and out. This enabled safe and accessible participation for individuals with a wide range of mobility and support needs.

Vitamin Sea was developed in close partnership with healthcare professionals and community organisations, including GPs and social prescribers, Turning Point, Felixstowe Area Stroke Support Group, Memory Lane, Combat2Coffee, Hope Trust, Orwell Mencap, East Suffolk Council Integrated Neighbourhood Teams, and the Shaw Trust. This collaborative approach ensured the project reached people who could most benefit from early, preventative, non-clinical support.

The original aim of the project was to support 150 individuals. Mind Body & Sea is pleased to report that this target was exceeded, with 172 people supported during delivery. Participants included stroke survivors, individuals in addiction recovery, unpaid carers, and people experiencing poor mental health. Feedback highlighted improvements in wellbeing, confidence, and a renewed sense of connection.

Participants were supported throughout by trained volunteers, with a careful triage process used to match individuals to the most appropriate activities. This approach ensured sessions were accessible, safe, and responsive to individual needs.

The project was made possible through funding from East Suffolk Council’s Enabling Communities Budget, with the support of Felixstowe councillors Rosie Smithson, Lee Reeves, Mike Deacon, and Mark Jepson. Their support demonstrates a shared commitment to working together with the community and addressing health inequalities through locally focused initiatives.

As Vitamin Sea comes to an end, its impact continues through the relationships formed, the confidence gained, and the lasting connection participants have built with East Suffolk’s waterways. The project demonstrates the value of nature-based initiatives in supporting wellbeing and strengthening community resilience.

Mind Body & Sea would like to thank all participants, partners, volunteers, and supporters who contributed to the project’s success throughout 2025.