Trustees' Report and Accounts - Canal & River Trust

Changing lives
Canals and rivers are at the heart of
the community, but young people have
traditionally been underrepresented.
To ensure the long term survival of
our canals, we need young people to
be passionate about and involved with
our waterways.
Our youth engagement programme, Waterways Action
Squad, brought together a group of 16-19 year olds who
were not in education, employment or training. Through
Project 24:24 (funded by Department for Education’s
Improving Outcomes 24/24 Programme), young volunteers
spent 24 hours each week for 24 weeks gaining practical
skills and experience by volunteering on the Shropshire
Union Canal and at our museums and attractions.
Despite trying a number of college courses, 18 year-old Sally
Ann had not managed to find anything that suited her. She
was feeling quite despondent about her future. Living away
from home, Sally Ann suffered from extremely low self-esteem
and depression. Unable to find employment she jumped
at the chance to obtain six months experience in customer
services at Anderton Boat Lift and complete an NVQ level 2
in Customer Services.
Upon completion of the project, Sally Ann was offered a paid
position as a member of staff in the café and shop, and she
also continued to volunteer in the booking office. Sally Ann is
now undertaking an NVQ level 3 in business administration.
She is planning to apply for university and feels that her 24
week placement gave her the opportunity and confidence to
turn her life around.
“I was out of work and volunteering at Anderton Boat Lift
was really good as it was local and gave me the chance to try
new things and develop new skills. I was really shy before but
I’m not now! I now have a job here and have got lots more
confidence. It’s also helped me away from work, my home life
is better and I’m much happier. It is a great team, like one big
family. I don’t believe I would have a job now if I hadn’t got
involved with this project.”
Top: Project 24:24 volunteers enjoy a day afloat
Left: The young volunteers repaint a lock beam
Trustees’ Report & Accounts 11