NBTA to hold volunteer caseworker training and first meeting of NBTA Kennet and Avon group, 11th September, Bradford on Avon

The National Bargee Travellers Association (NBTA) is to hold a Volunteer Caseworker Training Session for liveaboard boaters and their supporters at 11am to 5pm on Sunday 11th September 2016 followed by the first meeting of NBTA Kennet and Avon group at 5.15pm, in Bradford on Avon Youth and Community Centre, Kennet Gardens, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire BA15 1LE.

The NBTA is a volunteer organisation formed in 2009 that campaigns and provides advice for itinerant boat dwellers on Britain’s inland and coastal waterways. The term ‘Bargee Traveller’ includes anyone whose home is a boat and who does not have a permanent mooring for their boat with planning permission for residential use. The NBTA is dedicated to upholding and defending the rights of itinerant boat dwellers, and has members on many navigation authorities’ waterways.

Enforcement against itinerant boat dwellers by CRT has been stepped up and increasing numbers of boaters are on restricted licences or facing possible Section 8’s. The NBTA receives many requests for support from boat dwellers.

Local NBTA groups are a way for boat dwellers to join together for support or to campaign and challenge mooring restrictions and threats to their homes. NBTA members on the K&A have been working towards setting up a local group.

The NBTA’s volunteer caseworkers provide advice and help to individual boat dwellers experiencing enforcement or eviction with the aim of preventing them from losing their homes or being moved on. Most of those who contact the NBTA are having problems with the following: enforcement action by navigation authorities; Section 8 court cases, and denial of access to welfare benefits, especially Housing Benefit. The training session will cover these scenarios in detail. Some background information will be provided to read beforehand. The training session will take place from 11am to 5pm and is free of charge.

To book a place at the Volunteer Caseworker Training Session please contact secretariat@bargee-traveller.org.uk or 0118 321 4128 with your name, phone number, email address and brief details of your experience of living on a boat and any experience you feel is relevant to being a volunteer caseworker with the NBTA. Lunch will be provided.

For the NBTA Kennet and Avon group meeting just turn up at 5.15pm.

The NBTA can be contacted at 30 Silver St, Reading RG1 2ST, 0118 321 4128, email
secretariat@bargee-traveller.org.uk.

See www.bargee-traveller.org.uk

Here is a flyer to download and print BoA training 110916 leaflet

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