Marc Balkham’s decision to become a trustee for CanalAbility came after meeting with the people who work and volunteer in the organisation and how they work together to promote positive experiences for the local disadvantaged and disabled community.

His work, alongside the charity predominately includes: managing local authority IT System support teams and acting as TimeBank Co-Ordinator for Voluntary Action Epping Forest. This helps him structure a network of individuals who trade their time and skills as currency, which he uses to rope in volunteers.

In addition, Marc has an extensive history in project management, holding Prince 2 and Managing Successful Programmes Qualifications, which give him an expert view of how to help CanalAbility proceed into the future; as well as helping with its long-term goals towards development and expansion.

His other big passion is music; and as a musician Marc runs music and percussion workshops and a band for young adults with learning difficulties. The latter of which earned him a Jack Petchey Outstanding Leader Award. He also teaches guitar and plays in a covers band, specialising in alternative rock and indie classics from the 1960s to the present.