Children and adults who use Barnardo’s services across London had a wonderful day seeing the sights of the capital thanks to the generous support of a ladders manufacturing company and a riverboat tour operator.
WernerCo UK and Thames Boat Cruises & Events joined together with Barnardo’s to ensure 125 children and young people supported by the charity’s services in Brent, Harrow, Redbridge and Sutton were able to benefit from a private riverboat cruise along the Thames on Tuesday 9 August.
Along with seeing the famous sights of the capital such as Big Ben and Tower Bridge from on board River Room - which is operated by Bateaux London – a Sodexo brand, and chartered by event organisers and Thames specialists, Thames Boat Cruises & Events Ltd – the children and families were able to enjoy hearty dishes such as fish and chips, macaroni cheese and vegetable curry.
The riverboat cruise was an extra special occasion for Barnardo’s, as it was the first time since the start of the pandemic the charity’s London region had been able to stage a mass-participatory event for its families.
Children with caring responsibilities, young people who are in the process of leaving social care, children with disabilities and young people supported by Barnardo’s mental health services and family hubs were all able to take part in the riverboat cruise, and the event also brought together staff and volunteers from across the charity’s London region.
Rajinder Nagra, Assistant Director of Children Services for Barnardo’s London, said: “We are so grateful to WernerCo and Thames Boat Cruises & Events for providing the most incredible summer experience to Barnardo’s.
“The summer holidays can be a really difficult time for the children and families we support which is why a magical event such as this can make for the happiest of memories.
“Our children and families had a wonderful time and we are very grateful to all of the staff and volunteers who helped to ensure a successful and safe event.”
Marisa, 18, from Goodmayes, was among 39 young carers to attend the riverboat cruise. She has previously been supported by Barnardo’s Young Carers service in Redbridge and is now a volunteer.
Marisa said: “I really enjoyed the riverboat cruise. It was lovely to see many young people attend from across Barnardo’s and I am really grateful to WernerCo, Thames Boat Cruises & Events, and of course Barnardo’s.
“The support I have received from Barnardo’s Young Carers service over the past four years has made a massive difference to my life. Being able to attend the homework club each week from the age of 15 undoubtedly helped me to get to university. For two hours a week I had time and space to focus on my studies, and the end result is that I’m now studying music at university. Barnardo’s and the amazing staff at the Young Carers service has helped me get to where I am today.”