About 'Rivertime' Boat Trust
Book Wheelchair Accessible Passenger Boat HERERivertime Boat Trust was founded in 2006 to provide and maintain a specially constructed boat for the disabled and to organise boat trips on the middle Thames for disabled and disadvantaged children and adults.
The charity is run by a group of experienced people with business and charity backgrounds and 50 fully trained volunteers with a passion for boating. We believe that the freedom of movement provided on the water has a therapeutic effect and that the demand is high, both locally and nationally.
‘Rivertime’ is a spacious, purpose-designed 42-foot passenger boat offering disabled and disadvantaged children and adults the opportunity to take trips on the River Thames with their teachers and/or carers.
‘Rivertime’ is equipped with a ramp and a hydraulic lift for wheelchairs and there is a toilet for the disabled and a large saloon with a sliding roof for sunny days. The boat is licenced to carry 12 passengers (including carers) and always goes out with a fully qualified skipper and experienced crew member. There is a small galley for tea, coffee and biscuit and passengers are invited to bring their own picnic.
Our objective is to meet your requirements and ensure that all aboard have a really memorable experience in this specially built boat. We operate mainly from Henley-on -Thames and have operated in the past at Windsor, Reading and Oxford . In 2023 Rivertime will be operating for two weeks from Bisham Abbey.
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Henley Cruise
Reading Cruise
Eynsham Cruise
Windsor Cruise
What Does the Rivertime Boat Trust Charity Offer?
The Rivertime Boat Trust offers the opportunity for disabled and disadvantaged adults, children and young people to develop a long term involvement with the River Thames by providing a safe, supportive and stimulating environment aboard ‘Rivertime’.
Cruises on 'Rivertime'
‘Rivertime’ is a spacious, purpose-designed 42-foot passenger boat offering disabled and disadvantaged children and adults the opportunity to take trips on the River Thames with their teachers and/or carers.
‘Rivertime’ is equipped with a ramp and a hydraulic lift for wheelchairs and there is a toilet for the disabled and a large saloon with a sliding roof for sunny days. The boat is licenced to carry 12 passengers (including carers) and always goes out with a fully qualified skipper and experienced crew member. There is a small galley for tea, coffee and biscuit and passengers are invited to bring their own picnic. Our objective is to meet your requirements and ensure that all aboard have a really memorable experience in this specially built boat.
In 2023 we are operating at Henley and Bisham Abbey, Marlow.
Learning Outside the Classroom Accreditation (LOtC)
The unique experience of using a purpose built boat enables us to be fully inclusive of all physical and learning disabilities. We stimulate learning by using the boat and the river environment as an out-of-school classroom. Combined with this we offer an Education Pack to facilitate teaching and learning. High quality Teaching Aids have been produced specifically for ‘Rivertime’ trips and programmes involve a mixture of observation, communication, sequencing, fine and gross motor skills, sensory and coordination skills, experiments, object handling and creative activities.
The specially designed boat (a floating classroom) is fitted with high-quality facilities and appropriate risk assessments are in place. All training and equipment is suitable for the relevant age group and is regularly checked for safety. All volunteers undergo a DBS check and follow an annual 6 week training programme. The Education Pack has been created by qualified specialist Special Needs teachers and the programmes have been trialled.
Details of our ‘Rivertime’ trips on the River Thames are available online and in programmes that are mailed to local schools. Booking enquiries can be made by phone or an online form and particular requirements can be discussed. All our trips offer an Educational Pack that can be adapted for all abilities; predominantly for Special Needs. Our objectives and success criteria, specialist vocabulary, curriculum links, preparation and follow-up work, are available online and are referenced with the bookings paperwork. Terms and conditions and visit schedules, stating who will lead each session, is also sent.
- All necessary health and safety policies and procedures, insurance requirements and risk assessments are in place and are regularly reviewed.
- All staff and volunteers undergo child protection training and the safeguarding policy is available to teachers.
- Guidelines for writing risk assessments are sent to schools.
The River & Rowing Museum, Henley
Our collaboration with the River and Rowing Museum in Henley-on-Thames means that our core offering has been expanded such that students can benefit from classroom learning and by being able to continue their learning whilst aboard ‘Rivertime’.
Our Values
What is the Mission of the Rivertime Boat Trust?
We will develop relationships with like-minded people to develop the ‘Rivertime’ concept along the length of the River Thames and across the UK to enable disabled children and young people to develop a long-term involvement with the river.
What is the Vision of The Rivertime Boat Trust?
To inspire disabled and disadvantaged adults, children and young people to develop a long-term involvement with the river by encouraging other like-minded people to develop the ‘Rivertime’ concept along the length of the River Thames and across the UK.
What Are the Values of the Rivertime Boat Trust?
We I N S P I R E
Inspirational
We inspire disabled and disadvantaged adults, children and young people to develop a long term involvement with the river.
Nurturing
We nurture disabled children and young people to become successful adults who will impact positively on their local community
Supportive
We provide a safe, supportive, vibrant and stimulating environment.
Passionate
We encourage a passion for the river.
Innovative
We are an innovative charity committed to developing the ‘Rivertime’ accessible boating concept across the UK.
Respectful
We are a highly inclusive charity, respect all cultures and beliefs and have a strong sense of community.
Egalitarian
We believe in the principle that all people are equal and deserve equal rights and opportunities.
Rivertime Accessible Regatta
In 2017 and 2018 The Rivertime Boat Trust organised regattas at Bisham Abbey for over 300 children with special learning and physical needs per event to take part in team and individual fun events.
