Meet the Canalkeeper Volunteers

The '219' Canalkeeper Volunteers are from the Westminster Learning Disability Partnership which provides day time care and employment opportunities for local people with learning disabilities. Twice a week, the group set out for a stretch of the Regents Park Canal armed with litter pickers and bin bags. 219 support worker Natalie Arif goes out regularly with the team and here she gives an insight into what being a Canalkeeper Volunteer (CKV) is all about.

How did you become involved with Thames21?

A chance meeting in a pub in Westminster. Members of the Thames21 team were sitting at a table next to a group from the 219. We got chatting about the work that Thames21 do. This led to Thames21 visiting the day service and exploring joint working. The outcome of this was the enrolment of 3 service users and 2 staff as Canalkeeper Volunteers (CKVs) for a section of Regents Canal.

What do you do to help?

We pick up litter along the canal path and from the canal itself. We report any litter that we are unable to remove ourselves to Thames21. We promote the importance of caring for the canal environment and support the values and ethos of Thames21. It's an opportunity to do meaningful work, both as a public service and the environmental aspect. We also meet new people in the local community as well as people from Thames21.

How do you think being Canalkeeper Volunteers makes a difference to the local community?

By being volunteers we are helping to keep the area clean and safe as well as fostering a community spirit with people who live and work in the area. We have also made links with another Canalkeeper who occasionally joins us when we're out working.

How does Thames21 support the 219 CKVs?

We have regular contact with Thames21 and meet up often to discuss any issues or concerns, update risk assessments and ensure all equipment is in working order. Anton Hilton, Thames21's Canalkeeper Coordinator regularly joins our group to pass on his skills and knowledge, and to keep us informed of any developments.

How does the partnership between the 219 CKVs and Thames21 make a practical difference to the waterways?

Through our joint work, we believe that we are providing a clean and safe environment for members of the public to enjoy, as well as people who live alongside the canal.

Thames21 is a member of the Waterkeeper Alliance which connects and supports local Waterkeeper programs to provide a voice for waterways and their communities worldwide. www.waterkeeper.org

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