People Know How's All Aboard canal boat moored in front of Polwarth Parish Church

Launching the All Aboard canal boat

Claudia BaldacchinoNews

On Saturday 25 September, Scottish charity People Know How and Polwarth Parish Church will be officially launching their new canal boat, All Aboard.


After People Know How and Polwarth Parish Church announced their partnership in 2019, they ran a pilot project including consultations, events and activities on a chartered canal boat, including projects and events for young people and the community. The pilot demonstrated the importance of their aims to provide a space for wellbeing and community cohesion and the response they received from participants was overwhelmingly positive.

In February of this year, the two partners finalised the purchase of their own custom-built canal boat, and in June that boat was craned into the Union Canal. Since then, they have been getting it ready for its official launch.

“It’s been an exciting process preparing our new boat to officially launch on the canal - from installing the bright yellow canopy and lift, to training up our team of volunteers, to ensuring our boat is safe and accessible for all. The launch comes at a pivotal time in the canal community’s recovery from the pandemic, and we’re really looking forward to start hosting sessions and projects as well as new volunteers interested in this unique opportunity. We can’t wait to welcome everyone on board!”

Anna Philbrick, All Aboard Coordinator

The launch event invites you on board the new boat and offers many opportunities to get involved with All Aboard. The project is currently looking for crew and helmsman volunteers to support the running of the boat, taking young people, families and adults on trips on the canal. There are also opportunities to provide support on the boat through art, music, meditation or any other ideas you might have!

Come down to the All Aboard canal boat at 36-38 Polwarth Terrace between 2pm and 4pm on Saturday 25 September and join us for the launch of All Aboard!

“It’s heart-warming to hear how Ecclesiastical’s £50,000 Movement for Good awards are helping to make a huge difference to the incredible work that charities do, especially in these difficult times. Ecclesiastical, the fourth largest corporate donor in the UK, is a unique financial services group. We are owned by a charity which means all available profits can be given to the good causes that are so important to our customers. As a company whose purpose is to contribute to the greater good of society, charitable giving is at the heart of our business.””

Mark Hews, Group Chief Executive at Ecclesiastical Insurance Group

Come down to the All Aboard canal boat at 36-38 Polwarth Terrace between 2pm and 4pm on Saturday 25 September and join us for the launch of All Aboard!