canal connections

‘You get to see Leeds from a different point of view, you can be in nature even in the city’ (Toren.)

We are a community based boat project, devoted to bringing the waterways to you. We strive to improve mental health, well-being and confidence within people by connecting them back to nature, the waterways and themselves. We work with multiple different organisations doing everything from boat trips, art events to graffiti removal and waterways clean ups.

‘Creating a symbiotic relationship with the waterways and the communities’ (Alan)

We are a Community Interest Company. People are at the heart of our organisation. We are currently running boat trips to connect people to the waterways and each other. We provide a safe and welcoming environment where people can thrive and grow. We try to accommodate everyone’s needs, young and old, neurodivergent, helping you feel at home. Going out on the boats has contributed to improving so many peoples mental health, ‘just that little experience of taking people out can affect them, puts a big grin on their face.’ (Toren)

‘We care for our environment so it can care for us.’ (volunteer)

Our focus is on nature. People heritage and nature. Not only do we ground people back to the earth with our community garden but also lift their spirits with trips out on the water. We work with river Stewardship and the Canal and River Trust to help keep these beautiful canals running. Our aim is to improve peoples mental health by welcoming them onto the waterways.

‘learn, not just about the boat but about everything around them'. (Kevin)

We never stop learning. At canal connections we give you the space to learn about not just the boats but about yourself. In the past we have run projects that include traditional crafts such as basket-weaving and rope making, bringing ancestral skills to life with Viking reenactment groups and bush-craft workshops. We have trained up people of all ages to be qualified skippers and crew. We love seeing people grow and gain confidence within themselves working with us on the waterways. ‘The most rewarding thing to see at the end of the day is how many people come away smiling.’ (volunteer)