The Canal and River Trust's Waterways Well-being project in South Leicestershire started in 2022 and runs in Oadby/Wigston, Blaby and Market Harborough.
Research shows that being near or on water improves well-being making you feel happier and healthier whilst giving you the confidence to deal with daily challenges.
Since the project started we have organised general well-being walks, sensory walks, creative mobile phone photography, crafting sessions, beginners birdsong walks, narrow boat trips, bird box building, canoeing and paddleboarding. Our general sessions are open to over eighteens and participants can be referred onto them via social prescribers, link workers, community and faith groups or through other charities. We also take self-referrals. Bespoke activities can be organised for community groups, charities, families or for young people (sessions can be designed to meet specific requirements). Our waterways are making a difference to millions of lives every year and we want as many people as possible to feel the difference by making canals and rivers part of their daily lives.