CanalAbility

25/01/2026

Take a look at this brilliant video from DMD with George from a recent trip with us!

CanalAbility part 1 is out now on YouTube!

Tina-Jane Nye
Disabled Adventurer
Paula Robinson

https://youtu.be/gPR3NVDqDtE?si=DUzhTPiWv47BvBrY

23/01/2026

We love hearing your thoughts, stories and little moments connected to calm, accessibility, community and time by the water.

We’ll be using to share feedback, voices and moments from people who support what we do – whether you’ve been on a trip, volunteered, or simply enjoy following along.

💬 You don’t have to be a regular commenter
💙 You don’t even have to follow us yet

Just join in, share your thoughts, and use so we can find you and say thank you.

✨ First question:
What does a welcoming day out feel like to you?

21/01/2026

🌟 Volunteering & Healthy Ageing 🌟

Research from UN Volunteers and the International Labour Organization shows that volunteering plays a powerful role in healthy, active ageing.

🧠 Better physical and mental wellbeing
😊 Increased happiness and reduced loneliness
🤝 Stronger social connections and sense of purpose

With people aged 65+ expected to make up around 20% of the global population by 2070, volunteering isn’t just good for individuals — it helps build healthier, more inclusive communities.

💙 At CanalAbility, our volunteers of all ages make a real difference, supporting accessible canal trips and meaningful connections on the water.

Interested in volunteering with us? Find out more 👉https://www.canalability.org.uk/support-us/volunteer/

Thanks to for the photos of our volunteers.

20/01/2026

Discover one of the rarest winter birds to see in Essex 👉

19/01/2026

☕ It’s Brew Monday 💚

Today is Brew Monday, a Samaritans campaign that encourages us to forget “Blue Monday” and instead take a moment to check in with someone over a cuppa.

It doesn’t have to be anything big — a quick message, a phone call, or sitting down with a tea or coffee can really help someone feel less alone.

Sometimes just knowing someone cares enough to ask “how are you really doing?” can make a difference.

If you’re struggling, Samaritans are there 24/7. You can call them free on 116 123.

Put the kettle on, reach out, and be kind to yourself and others today ☕💚

17/01/2026

Have you got your tickets yet? 🎟️

On Wednesday 18 February 2026 at Spotlight in Hoddesdon, enjoy an unforgettable evening of canal-themed storytelling, music and film with Robbie Cu***ng — the TV personality behind Robbie Cu***ng’s Canal Boat Diaries on BBC Four and Yesterday.

🚤 CanalAbility will be there with an information stand — come say hello to our volunteers and find out more about our accessible canal trips, volunteering, and our new electric boat build news!

📸 Bring a friend, grab your ticket, and immerse yourself in canal culture!
👇 Tickets: www.thespotlightvenue.com/whats-on/robbie-cumming-canal-boat-stories/346

16/01/2026

January can feel a bit grey… so we like to think about the good things still to come.

For us, that’s calm water, fresh air, friendly faces, and making memories that matter.

If you or someone you support would enjoy an accessible canal group trip this year, January is a lovely time to start planning.

📅 Bookings are open – no rush, just possibilities.

15/01/2026

Enter this month's in the Epping Forest Community Lottery!

Win a £1,000 Aldi gift card with the Epping Forest Community Lottery, and start 2026 with a bang.

Refer a friend and get an entry into an exclusive £200 prize draw.

The lottery raises money for good local causes. Tickets are £1 each.

https://www.eppingforestcommunitylottery.co.uk/support/canalability?leafletId=ed469f5b-3136-42d1-b238-ed48d2ba4f17&utm_campaign=aldi26&utm_source=marketing-hub&utm_medium=social&utm_content=Hyperlink

14/01/2026

Nature & Mental Wellbeing 🌿

Spending time outdoors isn’t just relaxing — it’s powerful for your mental health.

🌲 Research shows that being in green spaces like forests, trails and waterways can reduce stress and anxiety, ease negative thought patterns, and boost positive emotions.

Nature gives your mind space to breathe.
Sometimes, just stepping outside is enough.

Source: Harvard Chan School of Public Health

Thank you to Babaya Photography for the image.

13/01/2026

👀 Keep an eye out…

Canals are home to more than you might expect — fish beneath the surface, birds along the banks, and sometimes even dragonflies later in the year.

You don’t have to be an expert to enjoy it. Just noticing what’s around you can be a mindful moment in itself.

💬 What’s the most unexpected thing you’ve spotted near water?

11/01/2026

2026 is calling… and it sounds like gentle waters and slower days. Swap screens for canals, notifications for nature, and busy schedules for a drift along the water with CanalAbility. Find out more about our accessible trips.

Thank you ☺️☺️urHarlow

09/01/2026

This may be of interest to our followers 👉

Essex Family Forum has launched its 2025 Family Impact Survey and is inviting SEND parents and carers across Essex to take part.

📣Your voice matters in the SEND Local Area Inspection
Ofsted and CQC want to understand what SEND support is really like for families in Essex.

You can share your experience whether you are a parent/carer, a child/young person or a practitioner. This survey only takes a few minutes, which you can complete here 👉https://ofsted.smartsurvey.co.uk/p/AreaSend/10364949

They’re asking:
• Are children’s needs identified early?
• Is the right support in place?
• Are parents and carers listened to?
• Are young people being prepared for adulthood?
The inspection will shape future SEND services in Essex – and families’ experiences are a vital part of that.

👉 You can Read more about howthe inspection works here: https://essexfamilyforum.org/ofsted-cqc-visit

Graphic reads:
Area SEND inspection for Essex Local Area Partnership. Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) are visiting your area to inspect the local arrangements for children and young people with special education needs and disabilities (SEND).
The inspectors want to know about the help and support that children and young people with SEND get. You can tell us by filling in a survey below. What you tell us will be treated in confidence.
The surveys will close at 9am on Tuesday 13 January 2026.
Please take this opportunity to have your say
by clicking the link above to complete
the relevant survey. Thank you!