Call: 01895 823 582

HNA_PiscesVolunteering for Hillingdon Narrowboats Association is about giving as little or as much time as you want. Every hour our volunteers give is appreciated, from the simplest task such as talking about the history of our boats to the big jobs, like getting a boat out of the water to repaint it! It’s a great way to put time back into your community, and to help preserve the heritage of our inland waterways.

Steering a boat isn’t as hard as you might think – you’re only doing 4 mph after all! We can, at our discretion, provide free training to become a qualified steerer (Boat Handling Certificate) or even the NCBA-accredited Certificate in Community Boat Management (CCBM). Once qualified, you can take trips out on your own, and help out with our events and visits to festivals.

If steering isn’t your thing, we also offer the Competent Crew Certificate (CCC), which can be taken from the age of 14, on which you will learn how to help the steerer and be an integral part of the team. No prior experience is required – just the ability to enjoy being part of a relaxed and friendly team and of course, a sense of humour!

“Not only do I get the chance to help out with trips – both short and long – I also get to spend time away from a busy and stressful job in the peace and quiet of the canal, all whilst just helping out…”

Keeping five boats afloat 365 days a year is no mean feat! Under the supervision of our Chief Mechanic, you can turn your hand to any job that needs doing – from topping up the oil, to painting a part of a boat, to hauling it out of the water for a full hull clean, inspection and repaint.

Not everyone is interested in how a boat works. Sometimes, the most important thing is getting the message across about how and why we bring affordable boating to everyone in the community. If you enjoy talking to people, why not get involved with a talk to a local community group?

We are now accredited to provide the Residential portion of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. You can spend a week on our boats, learning how to work them and joining in with all the daily tasks. It’s an excellent team-building opportunity.

To contribute to the community in the best possible way, we ask everyone to become a member of the Friends of HNA. That way, you stay in touch with everything we’re doing, and you’ll be the first to hear about exciting developments here at Hillingdon Narrowboats Association.

All we ask of you is as much time as you are willing to give. Perhaps you can spare some time at your own desk to organise a meeting, trip or visit for our Members or other volunteers? Maybe you have an odd day in the week you’re looking to fill. Or you just feel the need for a new challenge, or know somebody who wants to try a new skill. Whatever you’re looking for in your volunteer capacity, we’ll welcome you. You just need to be willing to join a friendly, warm team of people and have a bit of a sense of humour!

If you want to volunteer with us, just get in touch.

Please Donate

We rely heavily on grants and donations. It would be so nice if you could help us to keep afloat! 

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