Local issues will dominate in 2016. Towns and cities will vote in local elections in May, devolution is high on the political agenda and local councils must address issues such as the recent, devastating flooding. Local engagement and participation is crucial in politics, but it is equally important in business and the third sector.
I have recently become Chair of a charity that has a unique ability to engage with people at the local level.
The Canal & River Trustis the charity responsible for caring for 2,000 miles of canals and rivers in England and Wales. The waterways are currently experiencing a revival, and have never been so popular. They have even entered the living rooms of millions via mainstream TV programmes such as ‘Great Canal Journeys’ hosted by canal enthusiasts Timothy West and Prunella Scales and ‘Barging around Britain’ with Westminster veteran John Sergeant.
This is a far cry from the situation 50-60 years ago when our canals were neglected - a national disgrace. Today, after the waterways’ remarkable renaissance, we see vibrant, healthy canals and rivers at the heart of thriving, healthy and diverse waterside communities, each a reflection of the other, enriching the lives of millions.
We have set ambitious plans for the next 10 years. Whilst we were created in 2012, 2016 marks the first full year of our new strategic plan. Community engagement is at the forefront of these plans, which include targets to engage 500 local groups in caring for their local stretch; involving a million children and young people in the waterways through volunteering, arts, education, sport and social action; reaching 100,000 regular donors; and mobilising a total of 1 million hours of time from our committed volunteers.
The waterways have so much to offer people – from their industrial heritage to the remarkable wildlife in the heart of our towns and cities that afford a chance to simply experience nature - they are good for our physical and mental health and our general wellbeing. They help to make our communities more resilient in times of flood and drought and they act as catalysts for investment and regeneration. Easily accessible for walking, cycling or paddling they are delivering health benefits. Over 50% of the population lives within 5 miles of one of our waterways – giving them enormous potential to benefit the lives and livelihoods of local communities.
The Canal & River Trustis among the UK’s largest and newest charities, having been created in what was the largest ever transfer of state assets to a voluntary sector body. While our waterway network can now rightly be described as a national treasure, it is locally where canals and rivers are best appreciated. This is why localism is ‘hard-wired’ into the Trust’s governance, with each of our regions represented by its own volunteer-led partnership. This means that local knowledge and passion is present throughout our decision-making and planning, and we have strong voices representing these regions on our national Council.
Alongside national engagement initiatives like our flagship youth engagement programme including the Desmond ‘Coast to Coast’ Canoe Trail, which will see 10,000 young people create a 150-mile long route across the north of England, local canal societies have been working tirelessly to ensure our canals remain a source of great pride. For example we are working with local volunteers, with some HLF funding, to restore a series of historic canal locks, designed by William Jessop, on the Grantham Canal.
In partnership with Help for Heroes we have been awarded £500,000 from the People's Postcode Lottery's Dream Fund. 'Heritage Heroes' will enable ex-servicemen and women to work alongside local volunteer groups to restore and renew canals.
Initiatives like these are a fantastic way to involve people in the local environment while developing transferable skills.
We know that connecting and engaging with local communities on a local level is crucial for the longevity of the waterways, for social cohesion and public benefit. We hope similar strategies for community empowerment are adopted by other organisations and public bodies looking to devolve their structures. The waterways of this nation have connected us and supported our diverse communities for hundreds of years and - given care and local engagement – they will continue to do so for hundreds of years to come.