Yachtsman Geoff Holt told carers that disability was no barrier to success when he attended a conference in Dorchester.  He spoke about his achievement in sailing across the Atlantic as a quadriplegic in a specially – adapted boat for his wheelchair.

Mr. Holt was the special guest at the Care Ambassadors conference at the Brownsword Hall in Pummery Square in Dorchester.  Katie Bennett, who is the Care Ambassadors project co – ordinator, said: “As Care Ambassadors we work across the county inspiring others to consider a career in adult social care.”

“Geoff was fantastic and told such an inspirational story. I even volunteered to be his crew on his next trip, when he wants to go round the world.”

About 100 delegates heard National Disability Sports Ambassador Mr. Holt tell of his exploits.  The delegates included the Dorset social Care Ambassador team and employers, as well as representatives from Jobcentre Plus, schools, colleges, Dorset County Council and Connexions.

The conference was held to mark the third anniversary of Care Ambassadors project, which is managed by Partners in Care in Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole.

Mr. Holt, from Hampshire, was supported on his Atlantic Challenge late last year and earlier this year by a carer.  His voyage included a stop off at the beach in the British Virgin Islands where he broke his neck more than 20 years ago.  Geoff also became the first disabled sailor to sail single – handed around Great Britain in 2007.

The Care Ambassadors Scheme was launched to encourage more school leavers to consider working in the care and social services.  Carers go into schools as part of the project to inspire pupils to follow the career and to highlight positive and professional aspects of the job.  The idea is also to change perceptions about the care industry and what it entails.

Care Ambassadors are trained in presentation skills.  They talk to students, teachers, and parents, explaining qualifications and job roles, their own work, the career routes they took, and where they could go from here.