Wiltshire Council is running a new project called ‘Boaters’ Voices’. It is part of ‘Wiltshire Voices’ which aims to raise awareness of the needs and rights of under-represented groups in Wiltshire. All liveaboard boaters are invited to be part of this project if you are in Wiltshire either temporarily or permanently. If you want to take part, please come to a meeting and hot supper on Monday 27thFebruary, 6.30-8.30pm at the Corn Exchange, Market Place, Devizes.
The meeting is an opportunity for boat dwellers to talk about and record any difficulties we face in living, working and using public services in Wiltshire – including problems with British Waterways. You can then opt to take part in the rest of the project, which will consist of focus group discussion sessions leading to the publication of fact sheets and a short professionally produced video of boaters telling our own stories of our experiences.
Expenses can be claimed for participation in the focus group sessions.
This is an opportunity to raise public awareness of our rights as liveaboard boaters and reduce prejudice against our community. The project also aims to improve the understanding of our needs and our rights by public service providers such as the Council, the NHS, the Police and the Fire Service.
Please contact info@boatingcommunity.org.uk if you have any questions. If you are coming to the meeting please let Peter Dunford of Wiltshire Council know so that they can get the numbers right for catering – peter.dunford@wiltshire.gov.uk, 01225 713060 or 07827 958303.
There is more information here Boaters Voices Introduction
What a brilliant opportunity for boaters voices to be heard by a relevant body which is not BW.
If I was still living on the water I would definitely have taken part in this.
I hope boaters can find the time to get involved.