Waterways Wellbeing

“I originally heard about the sessions on the local council’s Facebook page. I was really interested because as a working mum I felt detached and wanted to try something different and potentially make friends. I was working from home it was very isolating; I didn’t get to talk to many people on a day-to-day basis. Having something to in my calendar to look forward to each week was really nice.

Prior to taking part, I hadn’t paddled before, I wasn’t a regular canal user either. I did use them during the summer walking my dog in my local area, I never really explored new areas.

Before taking part in the Waterways Wellbeing Programme, I felt like I needed a pick me up, something to drive me forwards and give me motivation in everyday life. I was excited, its hard with current technology to switch off and meet new people.

I didn’t have any expectations, I was mostly just excited to do something different, I really enjoyed it! I didn’t expect the environment within the session to be as relaxed as it was, or for the group to be as open and chatty as they were. I enjoyed the dynamic and mixed age ranges and varied conversation.

I took part in three different three-week blocks of canoeing, paddleboarding and kayaking. My favourite was the kayaks, I felt that I was better in them than on boards or in canoes. I felt like I had more freedom, they could be manoeuvred easily and so I found them really rewarding. I’d also learnt lots of skills from the previous paddle sessions that transferred over.

All the volunteers were fantastic. They were all switched on and had ways of getting even the quietest in the group to chat. They were so knowledgeable and encouraging when the group struggled. They made everyone feel safe. The sessions definitely helped me.. The group environment was amazing, I always felt part of the team, never judged or looked down on. It always felt safe, accepting, comfortable and relaxing.

By taking part in these activities I’ve learnt that I can easily talk to new people and put myself in new situations. I think it’s important that young people also learn ways to cope with daily challenges and gain valuable life experience, especially improving their communication skills. During the summer I took my kids to a Step Out Youth Group Canoeing Activity that the Trust ran at Kilby Bridge, they loved it. I also took them to a Canal School Summer Session, where we went for a walk and did painting and bracelet making, during the session we ate crumpets toasted on a fire pit. The kids learnt loads and it was great to get them out and into fresh air. The walk was designed to focus the kids on the environment and not just the walking, cards were handed out to encourage them to spot things as they walked.

Other people should take the opportunity to join these sessions, they gave me the lift I needed physically and mentally. I am now hoping to do more paddling in the future, taking part in these sessions motivated to do more exercise away from the group. I took up running and started using the canal towpaths more for walks. Next summer I hope to explore the towpaths further, I feel like my eyes have been opened to a new environment. These sessions were so brilliant that I would still be interested in taking part them even if there was a charge or suggested donation to the Trust”.