WHO
WE
ARE

Established and growing

The Waterways Chaplaincy is a charity that offers care and support to anyone and everyone on and around the navigable inland waterways of the UK.

The Chaplain’s distinctive focus is to go out and reach the communities using our rivers and canals. We aim to be seen and be available to listen, chat and, if asked, to offer support and care to anyone in need.

We build and maintain relationships that often help to sort out more involved issues with the boater such as poverty, or health & financial problems.

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Act justly, love mercy, walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:8

This Chaplain's role brings about a gradual transformation in peoples lives through showing the love of God for all in our waterways communities.

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Ready to come alongside you...

Waterways Chaplains get to know and be known, in a certain geographical patch near them. They are trained volunteers who brings their own unique set of gifts to the role.

As Chaplains, we are all very connected into our local communities. We aim to proactively ‘come alongside’ boaters in need with a chat and a cup of coffee, and support any further needs that may arise.

One Waterways Chaplain reports:

“A while ago, I met a single-handed lady boater at a lock and we had a conversation about her partner recovering from Cancer surgery but, thankfully, had not needed chemo this time. During our time together, I told her I would pray for them and to get in touch if there was anything we could do to help, even just a cup of coffee.”

Supported by Church Army

Igniting faith, restoring life

In January 2023 Waterways Chaplaincy became an independent, ecumenical charity within the Church Army family. Wilson Carlile, who established the Church Army in 1882, believed that God’s love is for everyone. He was passionate about his faith and wanted to share the good news of Jesus with people who would never dream of stepping foot in a church.

This continues to be the Church Army’s mission today and is why the Waterways Chaplaincy is so grateful to have the support of Church Army as it carries on its mission of ministering to people on the Waterways.

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