Force for change
CANALCRAFT, a community heritage project led by the Forth and Clyde Canal Society, was created to reconnect people in and around Glasgow with boats and the canal.
The project has worked with members of the Maryhill Integration Network that brings refugee, migrant and local communities together, multicultural women’s group Oasis, young people from LGBT Youth Scotland, and GRACE, a group providing aftercare support to vulnerable adults with experiences of mental health issues, addiction, homelessness and social isolation.
Elena Koumpouzi, project co-ordinator, noted a common thread running through feedback from participants; before taking part they had known nothing about their local canals and had no interest in boats or boating. Many participants now don’t want to lose the canal connection from their lives.
The canals have become a powerful catalyst for positive change, on a personal and community level, by giving people, many from marginalised communities, the opportunity to take part in activities on and around the canals.
The Sorted Project, helping people in recovery from substance dependency and/or mental health problems, was recently featured in these pages when they took delivery of their new boat, Panacea.
Quotes from project members give a real taste of the transformations that come from spending time on the canals.
Michelle Fleming, a participant who has gained the Inland Waterways
Helmsman’s Certificate (IWHC) and received training in diesel engine maintenance and first aid, said: “The Sorted Project has been a huge part of my ongoing recovery journey. Coming to the end of my medical treatment for alcohol dependency, I needed something to do and give focus to my week.
“It took three attempts, but with great encouragement from recovery workers, I made it on to the canal for my first time on a canal boat and have never looked back.
“Watching the change of the seasons along the canal is still one of my favourite things. Working as part of a team is a great part of my recovery process; taking part in canal clean-ups and lopping the overhanging branches.
“Last year I was part of the amazing crew that brought Panacea home to Ratho; four days of good, hard graft but one of the most amazing adventures I have ever had. Grace and I being presented with our helmsman certificates at the Falkirk Wheel was just awesome.”
Scott Gowers, another participant who has gained the IWHC, diesel engine maintenance training and first aid, said: “Being involved with Sorted continues to be an amazing part of my recovery. Being on board Panacea, sailing along the canal, is one of the most relaxing and calming things I’ve done.
“We are very lucky to have the canal on our doorstep, it’s like having the countryside in the middle of the city.
“I’m very proud to be a part of the crew that looks after Panacea. I enjoy the teamwork on board and there is a real sense of community.
“To be with others in recovery helps me to feel supported by people who understand. I like the responsibilities I have on the boat and I enjoy the wider volunteering and training we are involved with at the Linlithgow Union Canal Society (LUCS).
“Meeting all kinds of people, volunteering and learning has really helped me to turn my life around. It’s given me back my confidence.”
Joyce Cunningham, board member, said: “I have been a Sorted board member for several years. I accepted the role as I enjoy working alongside people to help dreams become a reality. Panacea was that dream and now a very welcome reality!
“Over the years I’ve enjoyed the benefits that canal-based activities bring, such as a calmness, meeting helpful people who’ve become friends, seeing all of us grow a little bit more, learning new skills, even song-writing! It’s been a great venture and I’ve enjoyed learning so much about canal life.”
The final word from Fiona Watson, chairman of the project, who said: “I want us to be exposing people to the beauty, serenity and healing aspects of the canals; not just the service users but also the workers who support them – Panacea can be an oasis of calm for them too. And as we develop our services and raise our profile, I trust we will have more opportunities to give something back to the canal community.”