The Healing Power of Blue Health: How the Peter Le Marchant Trust Enhances Well-being on the Waterways

We all know the feeling of peace that comes from being near water. The gentle sounds, fresh air and calm surroundings seem to wash away the stress of daily life. This is the essence of "Blue Health". At the Peter Le Marchant Trust, our canal boat experiences bring this concept to life, offering everyone the opportunity to experience the healing power of the waterways.

Let’s dive into what Blue Health is, how our charity aligns with this concept and how you can experience these benefits firsthand.

What is Blue Health?

Blue Health, a growing field of study, focuses on how water environments influence mental and physical well-being. It highlights how water bodies have the ability to restore, relax and recharge us. This idea has roots in ancient traditions, but modern research has provided strong evidence that being near or on water can significantly improve both mental and physical health.

Whether by walking near a canal, taking a boat trip or simply spending time by the water, Blue Health focuses on the holistic improvements it offers to our minds and bodies.

The Benefits of Blue Health

• Cognitive Benefits: The restorative power of water doesn’t stop at relaxation. Blue Health also has measurable cognitive benefits. Research has shown that exposure to water environments enhances focus, creativity and problem-solving abilities. The calming effects of water allow the mind to reset, boosting mental clarity and productivity. Being near water also promotes mindfulness, helping individuals become more present and aware of their surroundings, leading to improved mental focus.

• Stress Reduction: The most commonly recognised benefit of Blue Health is its ability to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Studies have shown that proximity to blue spaces reduce cortisol levels - the hormone associated with stress. Blue spaces are often associated with tranquillity and are consistently linked with reduced psychological distress.

• Improved Mood and Mental Health: Wallace J. Nichols, in his book Blue Mind, explains that being in or around water can elevate our mood, improve mental health and strengthen connections with others. He describes water as "the elixir of life," offering a direct path to happiness and calm.

• Physical Well-being: Spending time near water doesn’t just refresh the mind - it’s good for the body too. Light physical activities, like walking along a riverbank or helping with a boat, have been linked to increased cardiovascular fitness. Over time, regular exposure to water environments can improve cardiovascular health and support joint mobility, making it an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, blue spaces are increasingly being used for eco-therapy, aiding in physical recovery and rehabilitation.

The Role of the Peter Le Marchant Trust

The Peter Le Marchant Trust (PLMT) is a charitable organisation dedicated to promoting well-being through canal boat experiences. Established in 1976, the trust was founded with the mission to make the joy of boating accessible to everyone, regardless of their physical abilities or financial constraints. Over the years, PLMT has grown to become a beacon of community support in Loughborough, offering a variety of boat experiences designed to improve well-being and bring people closer to the therapeutic benefits of water.

Our Commitment to Accessibility

PLMT offers a wide range of trips, including Wellbeing, Family and Themed Group Trips, all carefully tailored to meet the diverse needs of our community. Each of these trips is designed to be fully inclusive and accessible, ensuring that everyone, including those with disabilities, can enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of the waterways. Our boats are unique in their design, as they are wide-beam vessels, specifically created to accommodate passengers using wheelchairs or those with other physical disabilities. This wider design allows for ease of movement on board, making it possible for everyone to relax and enjoy the experience.

In addition to our physical accessibility features, our boats are crewed by a team dedicated to creating a supportive and welcoming environment for all passengers. We are proud to share that we have been awarded the Mental Health Friendly Place designation by Leicestershire County Council, recognising the training our staff and volunteers have undergone to support passengers with mental health concerns. 

For more information on our experiences, visit our booking page and learn about how you can book a relaxing journey with us.

How Our Canal Boat Trips Promote Blue Health

Canal boat experiences offered by the Peter Le Marchant Trust are more than just a day out; they are an opportunity to tap into the healing power of Blue Health. Here’s how our trips can contribute to your well-being:

• Tranquillity and Relaxation: The slow pace of a canal boat trip allows passengers to unwind and disconnect from the stresses of daily life. The gentle movement of the boat, combined with the peaceful surroundings of the water and nature, creates an ideal environment for relaxation and mental rejuvenation. According to this study, "Water environments are associated with psychological restoration, offering individuals opportunities to recover from stress and promote mental well-being."

• Social Interaction: Our trips provide an excellent opportunity for socialising, whether you’re with family and friends or meeting new people. Social interaction is key in encouraging a sense of community and belonging. Research supports the idea that blue spaces encourage social engagement. It notes, "Blue care interventions can improve both mental and social well-being, facilitating social interactions and fostering connections that contribute to improved mental health."

• Connecting with Nature: Being on the water offers a unique way to connect with nature. Passengers can enjoy the sights and sounds of wildlife, the changing seasons and the natural beauty of the canals. Studies have shown that spending time in blue spaces, like canals and rivers, helps reduce stress, enhance mood and improve cognitive functioning by building a stronger connection to nature.

• Physical Activity: While canal boat trips are generally relaxing, they also offer opportunities for light physical activity. Whether it’s helping with the boat’s operation or simply moving around the deck, these activities promote physical health without requiring strenuous effort. The benefits of such physical activity, especially in outdoor settings, are highlighted in research on blue care interventions.

Here’s what some of our past passengers have to say:

• "The peace and tranquillity of the water are unmatched. After a day on the canal, I always feel so much more relaxed and at ease."

• "The boat trips are not just about the scenery; it’s the friendly atmosphere and the chance to meet new people that make it special."

• "I brought my family along, and we all had a wonderful time. It’s the perfect way to spend a day, especially for those of us who need a break from the hustle and bustle."

How to Get Involved with the Peter Le Marchant Trust

Ready to experience the healing power of Blue Health? Here are a few ways you can support or participate in the work of Peter Le Marchant Trust:

• Booking a Trip: Whether you’re looking for a holiday, a family outing or a group activity, our canal boat experiences are designed to cater to all. Visit our booking page to explore our options and book your next adventure on the water.

• Volunteering: If you’re passionate about helping others and love being on the water, consider volunteering with us. Our volunteers play a crucial role in making our trips enjoyable and accessible for everyone.

• Donations and Fundraising: As a charity, we rely on the generosity of our supporters to continue offering these valuable experiences. Donations and fundraising efforts help us maintain our boats, expand our services and reach more people in need. Learn more about how you can donate or fundraise.

• Corporate Partnerships: We welcome partnerships with businesses interested in supporting community well-being. Corporate groups can also book team-building trips, offering employees a unique way to bond while experiencing the benefits of Blue Health. Visit our corporate partnerships page for more details.

Embracing Blue Health

At Peter Le Marchant Trust, we believe that the healing power of water can be transformative. As Wallace J. Nichols aptly puts it in his book Blue Mind, "Water is life. It covers more than 70 per cent of our planet, makes up nearly 70 per cent of our bodies, and constitutes over 70 per cent of our hearts and minds. It’s no wonder we are drawn to it." 

Whether you’re looking to improve your health, enjoy a relaxing day on the water or support a worthy cause, we invite you to get involved with our charity.