Happy re-union!

A 60-foot barge is helping to rejuvenate the Union Canal while offering a new facility for young people.

The organisation provides a safe environment where young people meet and participate in activities and workshops which cover issues such as drugs, alcohol, sexual health and racism.

Jay Lamb and Sam Baumber founded Re-Union in 2003 while living afloat on the Union Canal. With experience of boating and community education, Sam and Jay wanted to build a canal boat that would make the canal available to all, regardless of circumstance. After 1,000 volunteer hours, the first Re-Union boat was launched in autumn 2008.

“The majority of volunteers come from Wester Hailes and are referred by the Neighbourhood Support Team, the Youth Justice scheme or other youth groups,” said Abby Boultbee, crew co-ordinator.

“They learn how to crew a boat, how to work on engine maintenance and to host groups. One of the aims is also to get people using the canal and to learn about its history.”

In a joint venture with the canoe club, participants are also encouraged to explore the canal in canoes and to take part in raft building exercises.

Abby said: “Prospect Housing funded the canoe build and referred tenants. Over the course of five days, flat-pack marine plywood is built up and painted and on the sixth day the canoe is taken on to the canal to learn skills. We now have a container of canoes at Calders to develop more canoeing sessions with the help of various grants.”

Another project recently completed is a canal orchard. A team of RBS volunteers, Re-Union volunteers and local people helped plant an orchard by the canal which is now owned by the community and can be used to teach about nature and growing produce.

Need to know

For more information, contact Sean Barry at the neighbourhood support team on 0131 527 3818 or visit www.re-union.org.uk