Steve first heard about CanalAbility when he was volunteering at a local day centre and enjoyed a day on our boats with his care group. He had a go at steering the boat and was asked if he’d like to volunteer with CanalAbility as well. This suited him as Steve was about to retire from managing a day centre for people with mental health issues and he’s been volunteering with CanalAbility since 2010.
Spending time on the river combines Steve’s love of boating with the pleasure of seeing people with disabilities able to enjoy themselves either steering the boat, opening the locks or watching the river glide by. His previous boating experience includes spending time as a sailing flotilla skipper out in Greece.
One of many happy memories was taking out a group on a boat trip including a middle aged lady with learning disabilities, who was asked if she’d enjoyed the day and declared “this has been the best day of my life!”.
Steve enjoys the social side of volunteering, and sometimes finds time to appreciate a glass of wine after a boat trip. He finds it rewarding to be part of the CanalAbility team, especially when he retired, and has time to spend making new friends and enjoying their company.
