CanalAbility

CanalAbility Registered Charity - Offering specially adapted canal boat day trips for people with disabilities on the waterways of Essex and Hertfordshire.

It's Carers Week, and we'd like to say a huge thank you to all the unpaid carers who spend so much of their time looking...
11/06/2026

It's Carers Week, and we'd like to say a huge thank you to all the unpaid carers who spend so much of their time looking after others.

Last year, we welcomed a group from Action For Family Carers aboard for a day on the canal. They described it as "a well-earned break filled with nature, calm waters and good company" and we couldn't have put it better ourselves.

Sometimes a few hours away from everyday responsibilities, chatting with others and enjoying the peace of the water can make all the difference.

Thank you to Action for Family Carers for sharing these lovely photos and for the important work they do supporting carers across Essex.

09/06/2026

We're delighted to share these fantastic photographs from a recent Easter cruise with the West Essex Inclusion Project, run by Epping Forest District Council.

The West Essex Inclusion Project offers short breaks sessions and activities in Epping Forest, Harlow and Uttlesford to children up to 14 with a learning disability, autism and a physical or sensory impairment.

A huge thank you for allowing us to share these wonderful moments. We hope to welcome you all back on board again soon!

Do you know a group that supports people with disabilities, additional needs or long-term health conditions? Tag them below and help us spread the word about accessible adventures on the water.

Our new accessible electric canal boat is continuing to take shape!The latest windows have now been fitted and it's exci...
08/06/2026

Our new accessible electric canal boat is continuing to take shape!

The latest windows have now been fitted and it's exciting to see another part of the build completed.

It's amazing how much difference the windows make to the feel of the boat already, and we can start to imagine the views our passengers will enjoy when she's out on the water.

There's still a lot of work going on behind the scenes, but it's exciting to watch everything come together.

You can read more and see the latest photos here:

https://www.canalability.org.uk/boating-without-boundaries/news/electric-boat-updates/

Thank you to everyone who has supported this project so far – we can't wait to share more progress with you.

We're looking forward to welcoming members of Rainbow Services (Harlow) on board today for what promises to be a busy a...
08/06/2026

We're looking forward to welcoming members of Rainbow Services (Harlow) on board today for what promises to be a busy and enjoyable week on the canal.

Rainbow Services does some amazing work in Harlow and surrounding areas, supporting people and organisations and helping to tackle disadvantage, deprivation and social exclusion through a wide range of community projects.

We hope everyone enjoys some time out on the water, the chance to meet new people, and a relaxing trip along the canal.

Have a great time everyone – we'll see you on board!

07/06/2026

As Volunteers’ Week comes to a close, we wanted to say a huge THANK YOU to our brilliant volunteers.

Some volunteer every week. Some help at events. Some work quietly behind the scenes. Some can turn their hand to almost anything!

Whatever role they play, they help make CanalAbility what it is.

Thank you for giving your time, energy and kindness. We appreciate every single one of you.

An fantastic day with Saffron Walden Mencap Society!
06/06/2026

An fantastic day with Saffron Walden Mencap Society!

Volunteers’ Week Shout-Out!To our amazing volunteers…What’s been your favourite CanalAbility moment?A funny crew story?A...
05/06/2026

Volunteers’ Week Shout-Out!

To our amazing volunteers…

What’s been your favourite CanalAbility moment?

A funny crew story?
A beautiful day on the water?
A passenger smile you’ll never forget?

Share your favourite memory in the comments — we’d love to celebrate the moments that make volunteering so special.

Thank you for everything you bring to our charity, our boats and our community.

A volunteer’s time can mean so much more than a few hours.🌳It can mean someone getting out of the house after weeks of i...
03/06/2026

A volunteer’s time can mean so much more than a few hours.

🌳It can mean someone getting out of the house after weeks of isolation.

☕It can mean laughter shared over tea onboard.

📸It can mean a family making memories together.

👫 It can mean confidence rebuilt, friendships formed, or simply a peaceful few hours on the water.

The ripple effect of volunteering reaches further than you might ever realise.

During Volunteers’ Week, we want to say thank you to the amazing people who help make those moments happen.

Find out more about our volunteering opportunities
https://www.canalability.org.uk/support-us/volunteer/

This is Volunteers' Week, and we’re celebrating the incredible people who make CanalAbility possible.Our volunteers give...
02/06/2026

This is Volunteers' Week, and we’re celebrating the incredible people who make CanalAbility possible.

Our volunteers give their time, skills, kindness, patience, humour and energy to help create accessible canal experiences that make a real difference.

From skippers and crew to behind-the-scenes helpers, fundraisers, maintenance teams and supporters — every contribution matters.

You don’t just help run a charity. You help create smiles, confidence, connection, adventures and lasting memories.

Thank you for everything you do. We couldn’t do it without you.

Address

Lock View, Burnt Mill Lane
Harlow
CM202QS

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 1:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 1:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 1:30pm
Thursday 9am - 1:30pm
Friday 9am - 1:30pm

Telephone

+441279424444

Website

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