Canoe Foundation Boosts Accessibility for Disabled Paddlers in Northwest England with £10,000 Funding

Welcome to the latest installment in our mini-series of regional funding articles! Today we’ll be looking at Canoe Foundation funding in Northwest England.

We recently awarded £10,000 to two brilliant projects in the northwest of England. Both aim to enhance accessibility to paddle sports for diverse communities. They promise to create inclusive environments for individuals with physical disabilities. Finally, they also plan to foster community engagement in paddle sports. Read on to find out about Canoe Foundation funding in Northwest England!

Killington Sailing Association and Bendrigg Trust, Cumbria: Jetty-Mounted Hoist (£6,000)

We awarded the Killington Sailing Association (KSA) £6,000 to support their joint project with Bendrigg Trust called “Adventure for All.” This collaborative endeavour seeks to improve access to paddle sports for people with physical disabilities. The funding will facilitate the installation of a jetty-mounted hoist, enabling wheelchair users and those with physical impairments to participate in canoeing and paddle boarding activities. Expected to directly benefit around 200 people and indirectly impact 1,000 to 2,000 people, the initiative underscores the Canoe Foundation’s commitment to promoting inclusivity in paddle sports.

David Thorpe of the KSA said “We are thrilled to receive the generous funding from the Canoe Foundation. This support will significantly enhance our efforts to make water sports accessible to all, regardless of physical abilities. The jetty-mounted hoist will open doors to new opportunities for individuals with disabilities, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment through paddlesports.”

Above: paddlers at Bendrigg Trust, Cumbria (file photo)

Lancashire Outdoor Activities Initiative, Chorley: Accessible Pontoon at the Anderton Centre (£4,000)

The Anderton Centre, based in Chorley, Lancashire, will utilise their £4,000 grant from the Canoe Foundation for a pontoon extension project adjacent to the lower reservoir. The current pontoon, deemed inadequate in size and stability, has hindered the Centre’s ability to meet the growing demand for water activities, particularly from underrepresented communities. The extension project aims to address these challenges by providing additional space and stability for a variety of water-based events. These include canoe polo, paddle sports racing, and activities tailored for individuals with disabilities.

David Germain, CEO/Managing Director of the Anderton Centre, said, “The impact of this grant is substantial, as it enables us to install a new pontoon, unlocking benefits for local communities and charities alike. With enhanced launching capacity, we can now simultaneously operate commercial and charity sessions, prioritising accessibility for disabled paddlers. This initiative creates a safe and supportive environment for everyone, addressing challenges such as strong winds with sheltered water space. The improved launching area not only accommodates a broader range of crafts but also promotes the coexistence of diverse groups on the water, promoting physical and mental well-being for local communities at the Lower Rivington Reservoir paddling space.”

Above: photos from the Anderton Centre

Congratulations to our newly awarded northwest England projects! We can’t wait to see the positive impact our funding will make in the coming months and years. Stay tuned for the next installment of our regional funding updates!

As a charity, we rely on donations to continue supporting grassroots groups that enhance physical access to paddle sports across the UK. Please consider contributing a one-off or regular donation to the Canoe Foundation. Your support helps ensure sustainable and accessible waterways and coastlines for everyone in the UK. Thank you for being part of our mission to improve places to paddle!