Always on
This project successfully funded on 30th April 2026, you can still support them with a donation.
Welfare that’s built to last
Lichfield, Staffordshire, United Kingdom
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Aim
Help provide better welfare facilities for LHCRT’s canal construction volunteers - the facilities they need and deserve.
Every metre of restored canal, every brick laid, every lock wall rebuilt - it all begins with our volunteers. Week after week, in every kind of weather, our construction teams give their time, skill, and strength to bring the Lichfield Canal back to life. Their dedication is extraordinary. What they don’t have, however, are the welfare facilities they truly deserve.
Right now, our volunteers have always worked long days on site with only the most basic shelter (shown below) and limited access to essential amenities.
As our restoration programme and volunteer team grows, the need to provide a safe, comfortable, and dignified space where volunteers can rest, warm up, cool down, wash, make a hot drink, take breaks, and look after their wellbeing.
Why these facilities matter
New welfare facilities will allow us to:
- Provide a warm, dry space for breaks during cold or wet weather
- Offer clean, accessible toilets that meet modern standards
- Create a safe area for inductions, safety briefings, planning meetings, essential training, and first aid
- Support an increasingly diverse volunteer team (it’s not just men!) including younger volunteers and those new to construction
- Show our volunteers that their comfort and safety matter as much as the work they do.
These improvements aren’t luxuries — they’re essential. They help us retain skilled volunteers, welcome new ones, and ensure everyone feels valued and supported.
What we’re aiming for
With your help, we plan to provide two or three purpose-built units with:
- Heating, seating, and space for rest
- Modern toilet and washing facilities
- Secure storage for equipment
- A small kitchenette for hot drinks and refreshments
Initially we're planning to hire in these units, but, if feasible, may buy them along with a suitable servicing contract
This will transform the experience of volunteering on site and help us continue restoration at the pace our community has come to expect.
How you can help
Your donation - large or small - will directly support the people who are physically rebuilding our canal for the benefit of the whole community.
- Total donations of £1,500 per week would cover the hire and servicing costs for three units
- Total donations of £30,000 would enable us to purchase three units
Every contribution moves us closer to giving our volunteers the facilities they need and deserve. If you’re able to donate , you’ll be making a tangible difference to the wellbeing of our unpaid volunteers who are making the Lichfield Canal happen.
Building the Lichfield Canal starts with better care for our volunteers
Our restoration work is powered by people - skilled, generous, determined people who show up because they believe in this canal’s future. Let’s show them that we believe in them too.
May 2026: What has the appeal achieved so far?
This appeal started in early 2026 and by the end of April raised:
- £9,778 on Crowdfunder
- £12,220 through other donations
- A total of £21,998
- with Gift Aid to claim too, we have raised over £24,000.
We have hired a unit on trial and are now investigating units to buy. The appeal will stay open to help us aim towards our target of £30,000.
Thank you to everyone who has donated!
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made