Public Benefit Statement 2017-18

In considering the charity’s activities, the trustees have due regard to the published guidance on public benefit.In line with our charitable aims, we run a variety of programmes and cruises for schools and for socially excluded groups, and provide transferable skills’ training for our volunteers. People of all ages benefit from our services and activities, including those who are vulnerable, isolated and disadvantaged through having disabilities (including mental health conditions), older people, disadvantaged service and ex-service men and women, carers, young people and school children. We also offer a highly rewarding environment for local people who want to volunteer with us, including those in retirement. All our volunteers, 72 during 2017/18, benefit from this active and stimulating form of volunteering

In 2017-18, we provided:

• 90 Accessing the Thames days on the river for 986 client users and their carers
• 55 Education bookings with activities for 1,675 school children and young learners, accompanied by teachers and helpers.

We held:

• 9 crew training days, 6 teacher training days and 3 volunteer skipper training days for our volunteers
• 12 on-board events for the charity’s supporters
• 3 community open days for the general public (471 visitors)
• 2 onshore events for the charity’s supporters and/or volunteers

In addition, the boat was hired out for 9 private events, all giving a total of 187 day and evening uses (number does not include onshore events) and an estimated 5,131 volunteer hours (including crewing, teaching, office, events and maintenance work).

We welcomed 27 new client groups on board during the year, including 7 new schools and 3 new youth groups. Our client groups came to us from 13 London Boroughs and 11 counties and District Councils outside Greater London.