Volunteer
"Volunteering is such a rewarding experience - spending time out on the water with some amazing people …"
Wallingford Accessible Boat Club is always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help make the River Thames accessible for all.
Volunteers are essential to the club’s mission. No prior boating experience is necessary as full training and support are provided. What matters most is a willingness to help others and a love of spending time on the water.
Anyone interested in volunteering or finding out more is encouraged to get in touch via email with Jane Haigh at ku.gr1776646262o.cba1776646262w@hgi1776646262ah.en1776646262aj1776646262.
"Helping with the fundraising is great fun and ensures we can offer more passengers trips on our Wheelyboat …"
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is WABC based?
We operate from Riverside Park & Pools, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8EB.
Who are the passengers?
We take up to six passengers per trip, at least one of whom has a disability or is less mobile, and would benefit from getting out and about on the river with their family and/or friends.
How much time do I need to give?
Whatever you can, weekly, fortnightly, whatever suits you. A trip can last up to two hours, but our team would be needed 45 minutes before and after a trip to prepare and pack away the boat.
Do you only have volunteers working on the boat or are there other roles?
We have lots of roles within the club and are always keen for volunteers to use their own skills to help with developing the service, i.e. fundraising, event planning, outreach, etc.
Is there a required length of commitment to WABC?
There is no mandatory commitment, but as the skipper and crew training for each volunteer can cost the charity over £600, we ask that any volunteer is active with the club for at least two years after joining.
When is your boating season?
We provide morning and afternoon trips from April to September, depending on water levels/conditions. When the boat is out of the water over Winter, we focus on developing our service, which all volunteers are welcome to help with.
Is previous experience of boating required?
Previous experience is useful though not required as all training will be given. If you have previous experience, it may help in completing the training more quickly.
Do I need previous experience of working with disabled people?
Previous experience is useful but not necessary as all training will be given. Our disabled passengers typically have their own carer with them on a trip.
If I can only give time outside of work, is that a problem?
No, we do have trips at the weekend and are looking at starting some evening trips in the week. We also have some fundraising events at weekends, which you might want to help with.
How much training is involved, and how much might it cost?
There is no financial cost to our volunteers. Once DBS checked, there are three online courses to complete, also a one-day course for First Aid and a two-day course for boat helming qualifications, so you need three weekdays to complete the practical training. The online courses can be done at a time of your choosing. We also provide on-water familiarisation sessions for you at the start of every season to brush up your skills.
Do you allow under 18s to volunteer with you?
No, we cannot have team members under 18 years old.
I cannot swim, does this matter?
No, with either passengers or crew, this doesn’t matter. It is compulsory for everyone aboard our boat to wear an automatic self-inflating life jacket, which we provide.