Waterways Chaplaincy
Serving people in need on Englands Waterways
Waterways Chaplaincy offers support to people in need on and beside rivers and canals across the country. 100 volunteer Chaplains across the country build relationships and provide pastoral care and support to those they are able to work with, and also offer 1-to-1 practical support with issues relating to poverty, healthcare, and access to welfare benefits. This work leads to transformation in the physical, mental and emotional health of people we serve on the waterways.
Why are Waterways Chaplains needed?
There are an estimated 30,000 to 50,000 people living on boats across the UK, known as boaters. Within this community, 33.7% live with disabilities or health conditions that affect daily life, nearly double the 17.8% seen in the wider population. Additional, 70% of boaters are pensioners. Both of these groups are disproportionately impacted by the cost-of-living crisis.
Approximately one in three boaters experience challenges in accessing healthcare, more than one in five have difficulties related to employment, and more than one in ten struggles with accessing financial support and entitlements. Approximately 25% of the population of boaters are itinerant (also known as continuous cruisers), moving from mooring to mooring, often because they cannot afford mooring and marina fees – many first time liveaboard boaters find themselves in this situation. This transient way of life means that many liveaboard boaters face similar issues to the hidden homeless population regarding access to health, education, and other statutory services.
Who are the Waterways Chaplains and what do they do?
We currently have around 100 licensed Waterways Chaplains who are trained volunteers and are committed to regularly walking a section of towpath in order to meet the needs of those who they find there. Chaplains provide independent and confidential support to the waterways community, enabling people who are often seen as marginalised to feel listened to and cared for.
Providing a listening ear and creating space to talk through issues for people in need is a key part of the service we provide. Chaplains serve people in a wide variety of situations, often working closely with people who have multiple complex needs and issues.
Our team have a non-judgmental approach and are there for people in complex and difficult situations, speaking up and for boaters and supporting them to engage with other forms of support themselves.
More than 10,000 people engage with Waterways Chaplains each year. Of those, more than 4,000 access meaningful support from Chaplains. Of those, around 500 people experience transformation in their physical, mental and emotional health.
Why are Waterways Chaplains needed?
There are an estimated 30,000 to 50,000 people living on boats across the UK, known as boaters. Within this community, 33.7% live with disabilities or health conditions that affect daily life, nearly double the 17.8% seen in the wider population. Additional, 70% of boaters are pensioners. Both of these groups are disproportionately impacted by the cost-of-living crisis.
Approximately one in three boaters experience challenges in accessing healthcare, more than one in five have difficulties related to employment, and more than one in ten struggles with accessing financial support and entitlements. Approximately 25% of the population of boaters are itinerant (also known as continuous cruisers), moving from mooring to mooring, often because they cannot afford mooring and marina fees – many first time liveaboard boaters find themselves in this situation. This transient way of life means that many liveaboard boaters face similar issues to the hidden homeless population regarding access to health, education, and other statutory services.
Who are the Waterways Chaplains and what do they do?
We currently have around 100 licensed Waterways Chaplains who are trained volunteers and are committed to regularly walking a section of towpath in order to meet the needs of those who they find there. Chaplains provide independent and confidential support to the waterways community, enabling people who are often seen as marginalised to feel listened to and cared for.
Providing a listening ear and creating space to talk through issues for people in need is a key part of the service we provide. Chaplains serve people in a wide variety of situations, often working closely with people who have multiple complex needs and issues.
Our team have a non-judgmental approach and are there for people in complex and difficult situations, speaking up and for boaters and supporting them to engage with other forms of support themselves.
More than 10,000 people engage with Waterways Chaplains each year. Of those, more than 4,000 access meaningful support from Chaplains. Of those, around 500 people experience transformation in their physical, mental and emotional health.
For more information please see the Waterways Chaplaincy Website by clicking here.
