Youth partnerships

Partnerships are at the heart of our participation and engagement work, at local, regional and national levels. We’re very proud that our profile and reputation as a provider of high-quality youth engagement activities and projects is continuing to rise.

Explorer education volunteer with pupils on towpath with duck picture

We are committed to working with young people, partners and communities to develop activities and opportunities along our canals and rivers that are impactful, sustainable and cost effective.

Our co-creation approach means that we are able to support young people from all walks of life in the most beneficial way, helping to make a positive difference to their lives and those of their local community.

Group of young people on the canal planting trees

Upskilling for the future

A partnership with Project Search of Newfriars College in the West Midlands has enabled SEN students to develop soft skills by creating a beautiful wildlife corridor

Group shot of young volunteers cheering by the canal in Leeds

Youth participation in restoration projects

We've been working with the IWA Restoration Hub and the Young Trustees Movement to offer opportunities for young people in canal restoration

At a national level, our current partners include the National Union of Students, National Citizen Service, National Youth Agency, #iwill and Sport England, as well as myriad local and regional organisations.

To find out more, please contact our national youth engagement manager, Lucie Unsworth.

How we engage

Read about some of the work we've done with partners over the last few years, including our A Million Hands project with the Scouts

Last Edited: 13 September 2023

Youth partnerships

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