Search for London’s Waterway Champions

Thames21’s Waterway Champions project aims to get over 2,500 young people aged 16-25 volunteering on London’s waterways in the next three years.

Young people will be trained and supported by Thames21 staff to become Waterway Champions and improve neglected urban waterways in their neighbourhood throughout all of London's 32 boroughs.

Motivate other young people to volunteer

Those taking part will make a valuable contribution to their local area, whilst developing key transferable skills in leadership and responsibility. Additionally, they will motivate other young people to volunteer and propose areas around waterways in which to deliver change. The project plans to take young people’s interest in waterways as a place to meet and be with friends, and foster a sense of ownership and environmental stewardship for their urban environment.

An award of £266,251 by v, the youth volunteering charity, has financed this project which aims to get young people positively involved in their communities. Activities are being planned throughout London’s waterways and starting today Thames21 is encouraging as many young people as possible to sign up and get involved.

A brand new website has been developed to promote the opportunities in this project, and those looking to get involved are encouraged to go to the Waterway Champions website.

Improve the environment on London's waterways

Chief Executive of Thames21 Debbie Leach says: "We are very excited to be part of the vinvolved programme. This funding will allow Thames21 create opportunities for more than 2,500 young people to demonstrate their passion about the environment and become Waterway Champions. The full involvement of young people will not only benefit communities by improving the physical environment on London’s waterways but will also address negative perceptions of young people within the community."

Vinvolved has been designed by and for young people to make volunteering a compelling choice for all 16-25 year olds in England by tapping into their passions and concerns. The charity aims to change the image of volunteering and make it a 'must-have' part of young people’s lives.

Enable young people to get involved in London's waterways

Terry Ryall, v's chief executive, says: "V is delighted to be able to fund this innovative and youth-led project, which will enable young people to get positively involved in London's waterways.

"Young people are at the heart of this new programme which aims to put them at the centre of our communities. Instead of seeing them as a problem to be fixed, we are giving them the chance to become a positive force for change."

Find out more about volunteering on canals and rivers