A waterways chaplaincy service is sending out an SOS for more volunteers to help provide pastoral and practical support for people living on the Grand Union Canal in south west Hertfordshire.

Salvation Army Captain Jenny Dibsdall, Senior Waterways Chaplain said more volunteers are needed to walk the tow paths along the canal from Rickmansworth to Kings Langley and further north to provide needy boat dwellers with food, clothing, water, benefits advice and a listening ear.

The Salvation Army began its waterways ministry in 1908 by praying with, and talking to, bargemen and their families in their cabins.

Meetings involving worship and singing were even held on a boat roof.

Jenny, who took up her position in January as part of an ecumenical project working out of Workplace Ministries in the Diocese of St Albans, said: “What we need are people to become involved: to adopt a stretch of tow path or river and commit to walking at least once a week so that they build up relationships with the regular walkers and boaters.

“This is not evangelism in a mission-type way, but being Christ in the community: befriending people of faith and no faith, listening, pulling in resources through the senior chaplains where necessary, and sharing one’s faith when given the opportunity.”

Jenny said volunteer chaplains are provided with advice and training, a special jacket identifying them as a waterways chaplain and a windlass.

Volunteers are then shown their chosen section of tow path and in twos are encouraged to keep in touch with the boating community by email, text, Facebook and Twitter to keep abreast of issues on the rivers and canals.

She added: “Many boaters are now our eyes and ears on the waterways and are keen to let us know if they think someone needs our support.

“It is not just a gentle stroll along the tow path, you can come across many challenging issues. Some of the challenges are immense, such as dealing with suicide, or people being sectioned or experiencing violence and the potential loss of their home.”

Anyone interested in this kind of ministry please either call Jenny on 07717 813682 or email jenny.dibsdall@salvationarmy.org.