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www.floatyboat.org.uk Registered Charity 1191392
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TRUSTEE'S STATEMENT
Throughout 2020 our activities have been defined by the public health context. Like many others, planned activities towards our long-term strategic aims were paused to prioritise the local pandemic response and recovery.
With the charity very much in early stages of development our agility was clearly a strength, resulting in swift, innovative, co-designed solutions, developed and delivered at the heart of the community. From empowering fuel and food projects, to inspiring online events designed to celebrate the talents within the liveaboard community, we aimed to connect authentically within and across the canal and local land-based communities.
We have appointed a Chief Executive Officer, Alice Young who, as one of the founders of the Floaty Boat Fund - the predecessor to the charity - has the professional and lived experience, credibility and connections to guide the charity in this next important period.
As we reflect on the last year, we celebrate our journey towards charity constitution, building on the successes of our volunteers and laying foundations for the months and years ahead.
D O M N E W T O N
Chair of Trustees
June 2021
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OUR AIMS
Floaty Boat is run by boaters for boaters and sees first-hand what a strong, proud, diverse and supportive community we have. The Kennet and Avon canal is often described as the longest village in the country; it’s a bit like stepping back in time where people say hello to their neighbours and community spirit is very much alive.
Moving continuously from place to place can prove challenging when things don’t go to plan. What started as a simple breakdown can all too quickly impact on many aspects of an individual’s financial, emotional and physical health.
That’s why our approach is all about reducing the likelihood of boaters reaching crisis point.
It’s a simple, but powerful model which builds upon the incredible strengths and culture of the liveaboard community. Our activities create opportunities for everyone to connect, support and share; where money or background doesn’t define an individual or their opportunities.
Our vision is a resilient, empowered and thriving liveaboard boating community where every individual has a sense of belonging. That also includes a stronger relationship with the communities that we pass through and are part of, through the schools our children go to, the services we access, and the towpaths we share.
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ON THE CUT
Floaty Boat played a pivotal role in the community response throughout the first lockdown. The impact of the pandemic on the liveaboard community was - significant, with pre pandemic evidence indicating poorer health outcomes for boaters compared with the settled community. Concern grew in relation to the practicalities of off-grid self-isolation without a permanent address.
In summer 2020, we set up the 'pay it forward' fruit and veg delivery boat, which saw members of the community paying in a little each week as a contribution to support those boaters struggling under the severe economic and health constraints.
The scheme not only provided an essential food delivery service, but it also removed the stigma of accepting a food parcel, empowering the recipient to accept a donated box by building in a future opportunity to ‘pay it forward’.
The local Town Council's article highlighted the success of the scheme and went on to provide £ 500 seed funding for the Floaty Boat Pay it Forward fuel supplies (coal, wood and gas) going into the colder months.
The 'pay it forward' veg box scheme assisted the community in supporting itself through the summer and autumn of 2020; a great example of community resilience
The prolonged periods of isolation took their toll on many across the nation. The impact for liveaboards often living in tiny spaces with finite resources meant our annual fundraising event was a much-needed coming together just before the festive period.
The Floaty Folk Winter Warmer live-stream event was viewed over seven thousand times, successfully connecting people near and far, across the liveaboard and land-based communities, as well raising essential funds for the charity.
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By the end of March, volunteer roles had been agreed, a rebrand largely finalised, and office space had been procured, ready for a first full year - subject to whatever else the virus was ready to throw our way. Floaty Boat ended the year being featured as a case study in the largest ever study on the health status of liveaboard boaters.
BEHIND THE SCENES
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T H E C R E W
Alice Young, Chief Executive Officer
Laura Darling,
Brand, design and social media
Jassy Powels,
Events and community fundraising
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LOOKING AHEAD
Our aims for the next 12 month period will be:
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Completion of charity governance and 'set-up' including finalising of governance and policy framework;
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Transition of financial management to a dedicated bank account, away from the kind support of Bradford on Avon Town Council - this has been continually hampered by the pandemic;
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Addressing the resource needs of the charity, including increasing availability of employee and volunteer time;
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Seeking grant funding of up to £ 20,000 to support current and planned activities (including the temporary shelved 2021 floating community centre capital build development plan) and develop a robust fundraising pipeline;
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Delivery of workshops to continue to share knowledge and resources within the community and build resilience;
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Development tools to measure and evidence outcomes and impact;
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Build partnerships with a range of local and national stakeholders and organisations, and our capacity to help improve understanding between our communities.
TRUSTEES
Dominic Newton - Chair
Kate Grant Simon McNeill Ritchie
James Lynch (resigned May 10th 2021)
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Registered address: Floaty Boat HQ, Tudor Offices, 7 The Shambles, Bradford on Avon Wiltshire, BA15 1JS www.floatyboat.org.uk Registered Charity 1191392
All content, photographs and images are copyright of Floaty Boat 2021