At last—CaRT to help the vulnerable

MANY of you will remember the case of 'Maggie', suffering health problems, that narrowboatworld writers brought out into the open, telling how she was forced from her boat by CaRT, and who still has no home ("CaRT stole my boat. I want it back.")

Then it was our Pam Pickett who revealed the diabolical way it was treating two other boaters suffering serious health problems, (Guilty until proved innocent) time and time again telling those at CaRT it just was not good enough.

Making their conditions worse

And whilst the Trust waffled away, Pam kept up the pressure, telling in narrowboatworld time and time again how boaters with series health problems were being taken advantage of, and the pressure they were under, making their conditions worse.

But at last the Trust has taken notice, realising the bad publicity it was receiving was hardly in keeping as a much acclaimed charity.

As a result of this continuous pressure, the Canal & River Trust is advertising the position of a Welfare Officer, 'as a need to expand the capability of its own front line staff to handle the growing needs of an ageing boating population, as well as other vulnerable boaters'.

Rode roughshod

It tells us 'the post forms part of the Trust's strategy around supporting vulnerable boaters', a statement that many will contest, for it had no such strategy, as it had rode roughshod over many, taking little notice of their problems.

However it at last admits that there is a problem. stating:

The Trust estimates that around 7,000 boats on its waters are currently used as homes. A small proportion of their owners suffer from physical or mental health problems, alcohol or drug addiction, or other difficulties which make them more likely to come to the attention of enforcement officers for breaches of licensing rules. These cases are often complex and benefit from support from relevant organisations such as councils, social services and other agencies.

The Trust has acknowledged the need to expand the capability of its own front line staff to handle the growing needs of an ageing boating population, as well as other vulnerable boaters, and the new Welfare Officer role addresses this.

Operating on a confidential basis the Welfare Officer will help vulnerable boaters find the right solutions for their issues and particular set of circumstances. This will be done in partnership with a network of external organisations to provide welfare assistance and advice to boat dwellers who need such intervention and support. They will also offer expert advice for staff, volunteers, and stakeholders on matters involving vulnerable boaters, and in particular with enforcement cases where the boat owner is discovered to have welfare needs.

Run into trouble

Dean Davies, Interim Head of Customer Service at Canal & River Trust, commented:

"Many people see boats as a way to lead a simple, cost-effective way of life. While most boaters take to living aboard like ducks to water and feel the benefits of joining a very supportive community, some people run into trouble.

We need to do more to make sure that vulnerable people don't fall through the gaps. In creating the new role of Welfare Officer we are taking a big step forward in developing a robust welfare policy, and ensuring we are doing all we can to support those boaters who are struggling. It's something we're taking very seriously and we have to get it right."

So for Pam Pickett, Simon Greer, Mick Fitzgibbons and Allan Richards and the others who have been so outspoken in narrowboatworld, championing a cause for those vulnerable boaters, it was all worth while, as hopefully the vulnerable boaters will at last be treated with compassion.