Safe Anchor Trust

An award winning local charity providing access to the waterways for disadvantaged groups.

Recipients of the King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service

In November 2025, Safe Anchor Trust was honoured with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS), the highest national recognition for volunteer-led organisations in the UK. Often described as the MBE for volunteer groups, this prestigious award recognises the outstanding commitment, dedication and impact of our volunteers over 30 years. It celebrates the vital role our volunteers play in improving wellbeing, inclusion, and access to waterways for communities who might otherwise be excluded and stands as a proud testament to the difference they continue to make.

Our Aims

E

To provide free and safe access to the waterways to those within the community who are disadvantaged through physical disabilities, mental disabilities, social isolation, social deprivation or age.

E

In partnership with the Canal and River Trust, to improve towpaths, the canal-side environment and infrastructure.

E

To provide development opportunities for young people.

“I had an awesome day chatting with everyone on board… Keep up the good work and keep helping others towards their recovery like you did me. Who needs medication? Just boats!”

Safe Anchor Trust Ltd is an award winning charity providing trips on the waterways particularly for special needs groups, socially disadvantaged groups and those with health and mobility problems. The Trust runs three passenger boats, two of which have full wheelchair accessibility. ‘Safe Anchor Lady’, a boat specifically designed for passengers with special needs was completed by volunteers in 2010. A further easy access boat, ‘E Austen Johnson’ returned to service in 2012 following a complete refit. The Trust also owns a work-boat which is available for use by community canal-side projects.

Our Boats

Safe Anchor Trust operates four boats. For more information and specification visit the “Our Boats” page.

Safe Anchor
Lady

E Austen
Johnson

Lady
Victoria

Lady
Brenda

How we did in 2025

Total number of passengers carried

Volunteer days

Number of boat trips

How we did in 2024

Total number of passengers carried

Volunteer days

Number of boat trips

How we did in 2023

Total number of passengers carried

Volunteer days

Number of boat trips

Safeguarding Policy

Privacy Policy

CCTV Policy

Safe Anchor Trust Ltd
Registered Charity 1100071
Company No 4700044
Company Limited by Guarantee

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