Second accessible boat added to Norfolk's fleet thanks to anonymous donation
Norfolk Charitable Trust expands services with a new wheelchair-accessible vessel
The Norfolk Charitable Trust (NCT) is set to introduce a second accessible boat, thanks to an anonymous donation.
This addition will enhance its capacity to provide more accessible trips for disabled individuals, their families, and carers around Blakeney Harbour.
Since the launch of 'wheely boat' in 2021, the trust's first vessel, Poppy, has offered wheelchair-accessible boat trips, helping to ensure the natural beauty of North Norfolk's coastal environment is accessible to all.
The new boat will likely be named Poppy Freedom, reflecting the opportunities it provides to experience the unspoiled Norfolk coastline without barriers.
In its first year, the trust ran 23 trips, a number which has increased to over 80 expected trips this year.
"So up until now, there have been family groups going out, but sometimes there are members of the family who are left ashore because we haven't got capacity to take them on the boat" Shaun Edwards, the Operations Manager at NCT, said.
With the addition of Poppy Freedom, NCT aims to further expand its services by reaching out to special educational needs establishments, care homes, and day centres, potentially accommodating groups of up to 12 people.
"With calls from people eager to participate, we've sometimes found ourselves fully booked, particularly during summer months," said Shaun.
"Knowing that there are more people left on the shore motivates us to continue growing our fleet."
The team hopes to welcome Poppy Freedom to the team next spring.