An initiative of the St.Albans Diocesan Youth Service, Reach Out Projects run day trips and holidays on the Grand Union Canal using a fleet of narrow and wide beam boats, which are moored at Nash Mills. The aim is to bring together young people of all abilities - able bodied, physically disabled and special needs – to experience the fun of the canal and work together as a group to make a great holiday or day out with a difference.
Over 500 young people enjoyed using Reach Out Projects boats during 2001. Just over half of these used the self-steer boats as part of a youth group or organisation with the remainder benefiting from the skills of a skipper so that they could make the most of their time away.
As a registered charity, Reach Out Projects relies on a large number of volunteers to maintain and support its work. These volunteers are involved in a variety of activities from crewing the boats to checking the boats before departure and teaching people how to use and handle them safely.
“Helping with Reach Out Projects is very rewarding as well as a great deal of fun,” said David Green, Diocesan Youth Officer. “We welcome anybody and everybody, whatever their age and experience to help us at a time to suit them – from as little as 1 hour to 1 week. Full training is available for those wishing to handle and crew the boats safely.”
Anyone wishing to find out more about volunteering for Reach Out Projects should contact Administrator, Ann Green:
Tel: 01707 335968
E-mail: admin@reachoutprojects.org.uk
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