Taking interest in boat dwellers

THE Salvation Army has taken interest in the 'continuous moorers' and others along the Grand Union Canal around Rickmansworth and Kings Langley.

The service is to give pastoral and practical support for people living on boats in the area, with Salvation Army Captain Jenny Dibsdall, Senior Waterways Chaplain stating more volunteers are needed to walk the towpaths to 'provide needy boat dwellers with food, clothing, water, benefits advice and a listening ear', Alan Tilbury tells us.

Started in 1908

It was way back in 1908 when the Salvation Army began its waterways ministry  by praying with, and talking to, bargemen and their families in their cabins, involving worship and singing, with Jenny remarking:

"What we need are people to become involved. To adopt a stretch of towpath, and commit to walking at least once a week so that they build up relationships with the regular walkers and boaters.

Volunteer chaplains

Volunteer chaplains are provided with advice and training, a special jacket identifying them as a waterways chaplain and a windlass.

Volunteers are then shown their chosen section of towpath, and in twos are encouraged to keep in touch with the boating community by email, text, Facebook and Twitter to keep abreast of issues on the rivers and canals, adding:

"Some of the challenges are immense, such as dealing with suicide, or people being sectioned or experiencing violence and the potential loss of their home."

Anyone interested in this kind of ministry please either call Jenny on 07717 813682 or email jenny.dibsdall@salvationarmy