CanalAbility

03/05/2026

We have lots of new followers so a warm welcome to you all 😍

We’d love to get to know our growing community a little better....

Which best describes you? 👇

💙 Someone living with a disability or long-term health condition
👨‍👩‍👧 Family member, friend or carer
🙋 Volunteer or supporter
🏘️ Community group or organisation

Say hello in the comments and let us know where you fit in 💬



Thanks to Babaya Photography for the photos of our volunteers.

01/05/2026

Great work everyone!!

26/04/2026

It’s finally time… 😊

We can now share the name of our new accessible electric canal boat!

We asked our volunteers to send in their ideas, and funnily enough, two people came up with the same name completely independently — great minds think alike! Well done Bradley and John!

The final choice was made by our Founder and President, Derek Fenny, along with three partners of previous volunteers who are sadly no longer with us. That made this decision feel really special.

So… here it is…

⚡Amply Accessible ⚡

We think it sums up exactly what we’re all about — making the waterways open and welcoming for everyone.

We’re not quite ready to share launch dates yet, but it won’t be long — we’ll keep you updated.

24/04/2026

Fun Friday - Put your history knowledge to the test and learn about our historic canals and rivers along the way with this quiz from Canal & River Trust.

Put your history knowledge to the test and learn about our historic canals and rivers along the way.

22/04/2026

We're shipshape and ready to welcome back again for a fabulous four hour cruise on the water - don't forget your suncream, it's looking like a sunny day today 😀

21/04/2026

This may be of interest to our 👇

SEND Reforms Webinar for Essex parents and carers

Join Essex County Council and Essex Family Forum for an online session on putting children and young people first.

Friday 24 April, 1 to 2.30pm (Microsoft Teams).

Hear from council leaders, learn about the SEND consultation, join a live Q&A, and share your views.

Open to Essex residents (excluding Southend and Thurrock).

To register for the webinar or to share your views, visit the links below 👇

21/04/2026

On this day last year the Chaplin family enjoyed a truly inclusive and accessible day out.

They said, "Aside from our week family holiday, we haven’t had a day out all year — because nowhere has the accessibility we need."

We were so happy to welcome the Chaplin family on board again today.

Their previous visit really stuck with us. One of our crew asked, "What other days have you had as a family this year?" And their reply.....
"Aside from our week family holiday, we haven’t had a day out all year — because nowhere has the accessibility we need."

That moment is why CanalAbility exists.

Our specially adapted boats include:
🔛– Step-free boarding via ramps
♿– Wheelchair-accessible lifts
🚾– Accessible toilets
👀– Wide gangways and low-level windows so everyone can enjoy the view
🙌– Space for up to 10 or 12 people, so no one gets left behind

We’re here so that families like the Chaplins can simply enjoy being together — without worrying if a venue will be accessible.

Check out our accessible canal boats here:

https://www.canalability.org.uk/our-canal-boats/

💬 Tell us: when was your last proper family day out?

20/04/2026

Thanks to amazing supporters playing the Harlow Community Lottery, we’ve raised £300 for CanalAbility!

Every ticket played helps us continue providing accessible canal trips for people with disabilities, long-term health conditions, and their families — so this really does make a difference.

If you haven’t joined yet, now’s a great time…
This month’s Super Draw includes the chance to win a Nintendo Switch 2 Mega Bundle 🎮

It’s a simple way to support us, with the bonus of possibly winning something pretty exciting!

👉 Take a look and get involved:

https://www.harlowcommunitylottery.co.uk/support/canalability

17/04/2026

On this day last year we had a fabulous day with the crew from Badgers Den !

17/04/2026

Some moments just stay with you....

For Christopher, being back on the water wasn’t just a day out — it was a chance to reconnect with something he’s always loved.

Living with MS, time on the water brings a sense of calm, freedom, and joy that’s hard to put into words.

Jacqueline and Christopher kindly shared their day with us — a special trip made possible thanks to United In Kind

👉 Read his story: https://www.canalability.org.uk/boating-without-boundaries/back-on-the-water-a-day-out-with-canalability/

At CanalAbility, we believe that life on the water offers more than just a change of scenery — it can lift your spirits, calm the mind,

16/04/2026

Kingdown Special School from Southend joined us for a 4-hour trip on our accessible canal boats last month—and what a day it was!

They’ve kindly shared some wonderful photos, and their feedback meant the world to our volunteers:

“Thank you all so much—don’t change, you’ve got it just right!”

"Seeing the children enjoy it so much has been fabulous."

Moments like these are exactly why we do what we do. We love welcoming groups like this—tag a school or group who would enjoy a day like this.

15/04/2026

Did you know?

Research from shows that access to nature isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential for our wellbeing.

But not everyone has that access. Some communities don’t have green or blue spaces nearby at all.

That’s why creating accessible ways to experience nature matters more than ever.

👉 Read more about why access to nature matters:

https://naturalengland.blog.gov.uk/2026/01/27/why-nature-close-to-home-matters-evidence-from-the-people-and-nature-survey/