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Registered Charity 1191392
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TRUSTEE'S STATEMENT
During the period of 2022-2023 there were some significant changes within the charity resulting in less activity than usual.
Our chief executive Alice Young, made the decision to leave Floaty Boat due to family reasons, therefore we took some time to take stock of the future of the charity.
We put most of the money that we have raised into the Pay it forward scheme, Which was greatly received by Boaters during the cost of living crisis.
In summer 2023 Floaty Boat became more active when new members from the Boating community joined the team. We are excited about the skills our new team members will bring to the charity and the projects we are planning to deliver in the coming months and years.
DOM NEWTON Chair of Trustees
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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
October - February 2022-2023
Provided a helping hand to lots of boaters over the winter months with fuel on the Pay it Forward Scheme. In conjunction with Aquillion coal boat, The boatyard in Hilperton and Fredrick the Fuel boat. (we donated money to them which was given to people we asked them to deliver to )
5th December 2022.
We facilitated a fundraiser for a vulnerable community member whose boat caught alight in the early hours on December 5th. We raised £6,666 which went directly to his family to help get his life back on track after losing everything.
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6th December 2022.
Hosted a canal kids Christmas party for the children on the canal. We had over 50 families attend.
“ I can’t thank you enough for putting the kids Christmas event on. It meant so much to me & my daughter to feel included in the community after a stressful start to life on the canal”
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12th January 2023.
Our Chair of Trustees, Dom, was interviewed by the BBC about our Pay It Forward scheme as part of a segment on the rising costs of fuel.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-wiltshire-64211158
The interview also reflected on the failure of the UK Government to provide any support for liveaboard boaters in the face of huge fuel price inflation this year. Dom noted: "During the recent cold snap, we were running burners all the time to keep the boats warm on two inches of ice. "We just want equity. We are tax-payers, we pay income tax, and yet we're left to our own devices."
Also featured in the Guardian 6th March 2023.
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/mar/06/yorkshire-canal-boaters-hebdenbridge-locked-fuel-support?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other&fbclid=IwAR3uurtbHXCBSePt90YiupAVvICAcroEgfTTDKW8J9Q4Plffggz0N4x8p0
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BEHIND THE SCENES
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INCOME
Paypal donations £176.31 £176.31 Total
EXPENDITURE
| Pay it forward-The Boatyard | £500.00 |
|---|---|
| Pay it forward- The Fuel boat | £500.00 |
| Pay it forward- Aquillon (fuel boat supplies) | £500.00 |
| Pay it forward- The Fuel boat | £750.00 |
| Pay it forward- Aquillon (fuel boat supplies) | £750.00 |
| Total | £3000.00 |
| Balance carried forward | £4456.66 |
|---|---|
| In-period balance | £2823.69 |
| Year-end balance | £1632.97 |
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LOOKING AHEAD
Our aims for the next 12 month period will be:
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Continue to facilitate the Pay it Forward scheme, enabling the community to support itself to stay warm through the winter months and diminish fuel poverty.
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Delivery of workshops to continue to share knowledge and resources within the community and build resilience;
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Continue to be a voice for liveaboard Boaters.
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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.
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Continue to provide events/spaces for Boaters to get together, tackling issues of isolation and loneliness due to the transient lifestyle of continuous cruisers.
TRUSTEES
Dominic Newton - Chair Kate Grant Simon McNeill Ritchie
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Floaty Boat, 7 The Shambles, Bradford on Avon Wiltshire, BA15 1JS
www.floatyboat.org Registered Charity 1191392