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The charity making life better by water

Making life better by water

Family on canal bike ride

Your stories

Enjoy the stories of people that live, visit or work on our canals and rivers.

Celebrating ten years as a charity
Steve Dainty, our finance director, reflects on the difference we've made to the canals and rivers across England and Wales in the last ten years, and the positive impact it's had.
Upskilling for the future
A partnership with Newfriars College in the West Midlands has enabled SEN students to develop the soft skills they need for future employment, by creating a beautiful wildlife corridor along the Trent & Mersey Canal.
Tommy, finding wellbeing by water
To boost his mental and physical wellbeing, Tommy began volunteering in September 2021 as part of our Green Recovery Challenge Fund project in Rochdale.
James, finding confidence, connections and purpose
James speaks highly of the mental and physical benefits from being a lead volunteer with us. Read more
Jordan, started with an open day
Jordan, 24, has been volunteering with us in Burnley for four years. He lives with Asperger Syndrome and tells us how volunteering has helped his communication, developed his confidence and given him new and exciting skills.
Burnley
Rob Oliver, training for the Paralympics on his doorstep
Rob rediscovered his local canal during lockdown, when he was unable to travel to Nottingham to train for Tokyo 2020.
Haroon Mota: Runner, community activist and canal enthusiast
Marathon runner, community activist and canal enthusiast, Haroon Mota is working to help improve the health and wellbeing of local people. Read his story
Sheila, finding her confidence
Volunteering with us has helped Sheila transform her health and given her the confidence to travel to Canada to meet her new grandchild.
Gary, finding therapy by the canal
Gary found himself drawn to walk his local canal in Wigan, which he believes gave him the lifeline he needed to soothe his state of mind
Theresa, walking for health in Hackney
Retired Grandmother Theresa was delighted to join the new Let’s Walk! group in Hackney, back in October 2020. What started as a way to help improve her health, brought other benefits too.

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