The group of incredible 12–16-year-olds that make up the Portland Youth Council have fundraised and organised this trip with the support of the ICA team.

The aim was to provide and promote affordable activities and celebrate young people’s resilience and volunteering efforts. They certainly achieved this aim by providing 20 free spaces and a further 28 places at a significantly discounted rate.

Groups such as 1st Portland Scouts, Atlantic Academy, Dorset Young Carers, The Drop In and other voluntary groups on the island were contacted to put forward nominations for the 20 free places.

A massive THANK YOU to Excelsior Coaches Ltd, who kindly donated transport in the form of a 53 seater coach and two lovely drivers.

Paul Knight – Coaching Unit Operations Manager at Excelsior says, “Excelsior was originally set up as a Bournemouth company however a depot was opened in Dorchester in 2019 (based with sister company Damory), which covers West Dorset, but as with many situations COVID overtook launch plans etc. and most people still presume we are Bournemouth. I, and a number of my drivers and supervisors live on Portland and see the great work community groups on the Island complete. It is a pleasure to support where we can.”

A big thank you to Lisa from The Drop In for volunteering her own time to support the young people on the trip.

Information will be going out in the next few weeks about how local young people can get involved in Portland Youth Council.