Forces Veterans Afloat

Aim: To get homeless veterans off the streets by giving them a chance to try living on board a narrowboat.

We're a group of veterans and civilians, mostly boat owners, who know the benefits of living on water and want ex forces who find themselves on the street to be able to try it.

Rent- free, safe and secure 

Living on boat is much cheaper than bricks and mortar and by having one of FVA's boats on loan, a veteran can save for a boat of their own or a deposit for a land base. FVA pays the majority of the boat's bills and not having to buy a boat at 1st, makes ultimately buying their own much more attainable.

Marvellous for mental health 

Being on water is also hugely beneficial to mental health. There are brilliant boating communities across the country and have a camaraderie veterans recognised from service and miss when they've left. But if PTSD is an issue and they need to be away from hustle and bustle sometimes, there are hundreds of miles of quiet canal towpaths to moor on.

Being part of a team, tackling a big problem 

The boats are largely refurbished by volunteers, who enjoy working by the water, as part of a team and talking boats during tea breaks. Our teams of volunteers take huge pride in being part of a team which  rebuilds boats that go on to rebuild lives.

From avoiding contact to entertaining the crowds

Veteran, Jay lives on an FVA boat, continuously cruising the canal net work. He says he's meeting people he saw on the network 6 months ago, who are amazed at the change in him. He says" They say I'm smiling now, will make eye contact and engage with them - 6 months about I couldn't but bring on the boat has helped me heal and handle my PTSD." Jay is now building a career as a stand up comedian.

So how can you help?

Boats are cheaper than a land base but there are basic things which have to be paid for - yearly licensing, insurance and safety tests. Maintenance of hull and engine. FVA has to fund all of these. £2500 a boat a year isn't unusual to have to pay. And most of the boats donated will need several thousand pounds of work doing to make it safe and legal for a veteran to live on. FVA pays for materials and skilled workers when needed.

We always need people to help with refurbishment  - from plumbers and gas fitters to someone who's skilled with a paint brush. Does your firm give paid volunteering days?  We could use you. We need wood, wiring, gas fittings, water pipe, cupboards, beds and curtains - everything to turn an empty shell of a boat into a home. Firms who'll donate these are hugely he.p or we need the cash to buy them. Another way to get involved is to sponsor a boat - and save FVA having to pay insurance, licensing and safety tests it's self. 

There are so many benefits our boats bring but it doesn't come without a cost - will  you help us get a veteran into a secure mooring on board one of our boats?

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 12th August 2025 at 7:08pm