CanalAbility

17/02/2026

🎥 Amazing moments on the water!

Check out this lovely video from DMD with George who recently enjoyed an accessible canal boat experience with his family.

Whether it’s steering the boat, taking in the views, working the locks, or relaxing with friends and family, everyone can take part in as much, or as little, as they wish.

👉 Watch the full video here:

CanalAbility part 2 is out now! Thanks for haveing us had a great time 👍😎
https://youtu.be/MQGONCsAqHQ?si=7F0r-TuYlRIEkY4l

16/02/2026

A lovely memory from last year on the River Stort 😍

We’re reminiscing about this wonderful day when Christine, a coach from Kinder Essex hosted a fantastic community cruise.

Organised in partnership with Kinder Essex Harlow, the trip brought local kindness supporters together for something a little different — a relaxing day on the water filled with laughs, friendship, and (thankfully!) no rain 🌥️😊

Moments like these are exactly why CanalAbility exists — creating opportunities for families, community groups, and support organisations to enjoy accessible boating experiences.

👉 Find out more about CanalAbility:
www.canalability.org.uk

13/02/2026

Back in December, we were delighted to welcome residents and staff from Hallmark Hutton View Luxury Care Home in Brentwood for a festive Christmas cruise on our accessible canal boat.

Here's what they had to say about their experience.

"It was really good. Residents had fun."
We asked what they most gained - "Lifted mood, everyone was happy. Residents were reminiscing and laughing."

Know a care home that would love this? Why not tag them?

11/02/2026

Feeling a bit overwhelmed or just needing a break?

Mind UK has shared some simple ideas around wellbeing and spending time in nature, which really resonated with us 💙

There’s something about being near the water that helps you slow down. A short walk along the canal, sitting for a few minutes, or just watching the world go by can be surprisingly calming.

If you get the chance today, why not take a few quiet minutes by the water - if you see one of our accessible canal boats why not snap a photo and pop in the comments 📸

www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/nature-and-mental-health/wellbeing-ideas-to-try-in-nature

09/02/2026

If you’re new here, welcome to CanalAbility!

We’re a small charity, based on the Essex / Hertfordshire border, helping people with disabilities or disadvantages enjoy the magic of the waterways. Whether it’s steering a boat or just relaxing and taking in nature, we make sure everyone can take part.

Follow us to see our trips, volunteer stories, updates on our latest exciting accessible electric boat build, and how we make the canals accessible for all.

📸 Tag someone who should join us on the water!

08/02/2026

🎉 You have raised £200 – thank you! 🎉

We’re absolutely chuffed to have reached £200 through the Harlow Community Lottery 💙
Every ticket played helps us keep providing accessible canal trips for people who might not otherwise get the chance to enjoy time on the water.

If you’re already supporting us — thank you, you’re making a real difference.
If not, this is a great time to get involved and help us build on this momentum 🙌

Enter the February Super Draw and you could win a Luxury City Break (or £1,000 cash). Get your tickets before Saturday 28th February to be in with a chance to win.

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

05/02/2026

Today is 💬
Just a reminder that talking about mental health really does matter.

At CanalAbility, we often see how being out on the water helps people relax and feel more at ease. It can make it easier to chat, open up, or just enjoy being with others. Sometimes that gentle space and a friendly conversation can really help. 🌊💛

Today (and every day), let’s keep checking in with each other and listening without judgement.

Visit Mind for further information:

https://www.mind.org.uk/get-involved/time-to-talk-day/

04/02/2026

🌍 💙

Today is World Cancer Day. It’s a day to think about people affected by cancer and how it can change more than just your health — it can affect confidence, independence, and everyday life.

That’s why we love stories like the one kindly shared with the , about how our trips helped young people rebuild confidence after cancer through time on the water.

💙 Today, let’s celebrate the small things that help people feel strong and happy again.

Read the article here 👇

https://www.rya.org.uk/stories/rebuilding-confidence-after-cancer/

03/02/2026

Another exciting milestone! We’ve shared a fresh update today with new photos from our electric accessible boat build.

There’s still more to do, and we’re continuing to raise money for furnishings and the finishing touches that will make a real difference for our disabled clients.

See the latest photos here:
https://www.canalability.org.uk/boating-without-boundaries/news/electric-boat-updates/

02/02/2026

🌿 Today is World Wetlands Day!

Wetlands aren’t just far-away places — they’re right here along the waterways of Essex & Herts, including special spots like Sawbridgeworth Marsh Nature Reserve along the River Stort.

These wet places help keep our rivers healthy and are home to all sorts of wildlife and plants 🌾🦆

If you’d like to read more about this lovely local spot, have a look here Wildlife Trust 👉

https://www.essexwt.org.uk/nature-reserves/sawbridgeworth-marsh

01/02/2026

A very warm welcome to the Ramsey Family! 👋

The Ramsey Family join us today for their first CanalAbility trip. First trips are always special 💙

✨ If you’re new here and haven’t been out with us yet, say hello below!
Or, if you’ve been before, feel free to share one thing you enjoyed about your visit.

30/01/2026

Just for fun 💬 Feedback Friday!

Describe your perfect accessible day out using 3 emojis only 👇