Your stories

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

Having developed a confidence he never thought possible, James speaks highly of the mental and physical benefits from being a lead volunteer with us.

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.

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. At first, it was simply a convenient solution to keep him in the running for a place in the squad. But it didn't take long for Rob to appreciate the mental benefits of being close to water in a natural, ever-changing environment, or make the most of spending less time on the road and more with his family.

Haroon Mota: Runner, community activist and canal enthusiast

Marathon runner, community activist and canal enthusiast, Haroon Mota is a man of many talents. Well-known in his home patch of the Foleshill area of Coventry, he’s now working to help improve the health and wellbeing of local people. That includes promoting fresh air and green space available to the community on the newly improved towpaths of the Coventry Canal.

Darren, fundraising and record breaking

After discovering the wellbeing benefits of our canals in lockdown, Darren took on the first ever solo canoe navigation of the Avon Ring as a fundraising challenge in June 2021. Totalling 109 miles and involving 129 locks, he set a record of four days and 10 hours.

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