The report, commissioned just over a year ago from the Centre for Sustainable Health, certainly casts light on problems faced by some of the areas passed through by the canal network. Primarily, though, it is expected to act as a springboard for the 10 waterway partnerships around the regions to forge connections with health groups in the area.
"We don't want to enforce things from the centre," says Richard. "The waterway partnerships set local priorities. If one feels there's a need in the community - potential problems with obesity, perhaps - then, with the support of their development and engagement manager (there's one in each partnership area), they can make contacts and create partnerships."
While the link between physical activity and improved mental health is already established, the report finds that little research has been carried out into the benefits of so-called 'blue space' (which includes water) in comparison with green space.
“We have to demonstrate the benefits of activities by the waterways. We can't just say it's a lovely thing to do. We want it to be measurable, to be able to say that £1 of grant to the trust is worth so many pounds to the community.”
What the report has done is lay out the elements that give value to the canals over and above other outdoor locations. These include their heritage and ecology. They also offer the potential for on-water activities, along with easy access, given there are few inclines and good quality footpaths. "A hundred and seventy kilometres of waterways run through 10% of the most deprived areas in England and Wales," says Richard. With around 27.5 million people within five miles of a waterway, this offers huge potential for promoting an environment with something to offer mental health care provision, whether that involves participants taking health walks, joining a 'green gym; volunteering for conservation and maintenance work or creating art installations along the towpath.
The report looks at possible health interventions in six areas, including Stoke-on-Trent, where concerns include high levels of anxiety and depression, Wakefield and Blackburn, which both experience above average levels of self-harm and addiction, and lslington, which has the highest number of alcohol- related hospital admissions in London. Blackburn is, perhaps, the most challenging area, combining high levels of alcohol admissions, obesity and self- harm with the highest number of addiction issues per head of population, compared with the other study areas.
Organisations already active in the area have been identified. Richard is absolutely confident that groups will want to take advantage of what the waterways have to offer. “There are already examples around the country of people doing just that." Walking for Health, The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) and other, local organisations already run activities for people with mental health and other health issues. Wakefield looks a particularly promising area; as a NHS Vanguard for new care models, GP practices are already involved in 'social prescribing' (where patients are linked to non-medical activities and services to improve health and well-being).
“The waterways could have a huge impact on the health of the nation," says Richard Every year the CRT will be measuring outcomes of health-related activities along the canals and expect to publish a report at the end of each financial year: It's part of improved communication with all concerned with the future of the canals. “We’re very good at telling people what we're doing,” says Richard, “but not so good at explaining why."
It's clear, though, that this has the potential to ensure that communities and the Government see the contribution our canal network can make and value it. “We're trying to make sure," adds Richard, "that when we need funding - whether habitat, or for maintenance - we can demonstrate a whole range of benefits."
