Welfare Officer appointed

WE ARE pleased to be able to announce that Canal & River Trust has appointed its first ever welfare officer to 'support vulnerable boaters who, due to any number of factors, may be finding it harder to cope with life afloat'.

It was narrowboatworld that brought to notice the abysmal way that the Trust had been treating its vulnerable boaters, with the mentally ill 'Maggie' (CaRT admits mentally ill eviction) ousted from her boat and living on the streets of Macclesfield in a tent  (CaRT stole my boat. I want it back) that was told by Allan Richards and Simon Greer.

Uncaring

Then our Pam Pickett told of two other boaters, Elaine and the cancer ridden Patrick, who had suffered a campaign of harassment (Has CaRT no heart?) by an uncaring enforcement officer, who was seemingly intent upon getting them off the waterways.

But it was the case of Tony Dunkley that Pam Pickett also brought to notice, that brought it all to a head, and though of failing health, Tony stuck out and fought back, even against CaRT's suspect solicitors, until eventually came an apology (CaRT apologises).

Welfare officer

Sean Williams, who has taken on the post, worked in a housing association in Hertfordshire for five years, most recently in the role of tenancy sustainment officer. His job covered supporting vulnerable tenants and empowering them to maintain their tenancy, welfare reform, estate management and issues around anti-social behaviour. In his role he built good relationships with partner agencies, and tells us:

"This is a great opportunity to make a real difference, both within the Trust and outside it, to the lives of boaters who may need more support than they're currently getting from the Trust, local councils, housing associations or welfare charities. It's an exciting role and one I'm really looking forward to taking on."

A new perspective

Dean Davies, Interim Head of Customer Service at Canal & River Trust, enthused:

"I'm delighted that Sean will be joining us as our first ever welfare officer. For some people living on a boat is a lifestyle choice but for others there may not be any other options. His experience in working with vulnerable tenants and coordinating relationships with partners sets him in great stead for the post and I think that he will bring a new perspective to the Trust. It's a big role to take on and I'm sure that Sean's skills and enthusiasm make him the right person for the job."

Confidential basis

Operating on a confidential basis Sean will help vulnerable boaters find the right solutions for their issues and particular set of circumstances. This will be done in partnership with a network of external organisations whose remits include helping provide welfare assistance to those in society who most need it.

He will also offer expert advice for staff, volunteers, and stakeholders on matters involving vulnerable boaters, and in particular with enforcement cases where the boat owner is discovered to have welfare needs. The role will also help establish the Trust's policies on vulnerable boaters and assist in its compliance with relevant legislation, for example the Equality Act.