The waterways chaplains are independent volunteers who support boaters in need, helping to resolve a wide range of issues from access to benefits and healthcare to being a listening ear and companion to the lonely and anxious.
Living on a boat is often seen as an idyllic escape from the bustle of land-based life, but that doesn’t mean it is all plain sailing, pardon the pun! Especially if you already have got some problems. When things go wrong, (and when boats are involved, they often do), this can leave liveaboard boaters in a very vulnerable position.
Who are the Waterways Chaplains?
The canal river trust organisation explains:
“Rather like street pastors, waterways chaplains are there to serve boaters they come across. The chaplains are Christian volunteers from a wide variety of different backgrounds. Some are retired and others are not, and they include clergy, boaters, anglers, community or health workers, IT experts and even a marine surveyor.
With over 100 volunteer chaplains, they aim to provide coverage for as much of the UK canal and river network as possible. The chaplains divide the waterways network into 10 regions, from London and the Home Counties, to Wales, East and West Midlands and the North, as well as a hub of volunteers who work in the Norfolk and Suffolk broads area.
Waterways chaplains help people with a variety of life’s challenges, including health and wellbeing, relationships, employment and financial worries, and do so regardless of anyone's religion, race, orientation or socio-economic status.”
Living on a boat can be cheaper than living on land, but there are still bills to pay, such as insurance, the boat safety certificate, boat licence, maintenance, and fuel costs for both moving and keeping warm when that British winter hits!
A sudden major equipment failure like a broken gear box or engine, loss of employment, or a crisis of mental or physical health can lead to a situation where bills can’t be paid, or the boater can no longer meet their obligations as a boat owner e.g. not being able to cruise when they don’t have a home mooring.
The boat licence customer support team do their best to support boaters in need to access the support they need to keep their boat legal and on the water, but often the boater needs more support than just that - so with the boater’s permission, a referral to the Waterways Chaplains is made.
Many boaters will already know their local Waterways Chaplain from frequent encounters on the towpath as they are all out and about regularly. Others can contact the chaplaincy for support directly through the chaplaincy website:
What about the god bit?
The chaplains are a Christian Organisation, but they absolutely do not push their religion onto people. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you believe in, if you need help, they are happy to help!
Do you need help?
Are you struggling financially? Are you battling to get the benefits and support you need? Has your health taken a turn for the worse? Have you got into difficulties with your boat licence?
The chaplains offer:
listening & confidential ear
signposting to local services e.g. foodbanks
to act as advocates when a boater needs someone to unravel issues e.g. difficulties with paying licenses, support with bereavement
help to pay for coal/fuel, food, emergency boat repairs via a Hardship Fund
help in an emergency such as taking boaters to a doctor, hospital, or housing office
practical help such as washing and drying laundry for boaters or helping out after a boat sinking
The chaplains are very careful about privacy and sharing of information. The sooner you get in touch, the sooner you can get help.