Mental Health Awareness Week: The Reality of Loneliness Among Narrowboaters

How to prioritise your mental health and well being on the waterways

Living on a narrowboat can be a unique and rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging when it comes to mental health.

Many narrowboaters struggle with loneliness, isolation, and the pressures of maintaining a home on the waterways.

In this guide, we'll explore the issue of mental health among narrowboat moorers and share tips on maintaining social connections, reaching out for support and talking to someone about how you feel.

Tackling loneliness among single male moorers

Over the last decade or so, there has been a shift in the demographics of new narrowboaters. Marinas across the country are seeing that a disproportionate number of their moorers are middle aged men who are recently divorced or in the process of divorcing. For many of these men, having to live alone, a narrowboat is the only option financially available to them.

Navigating an emotionally challenging time while facing the loneliness of adapting to solo narrowboat living is difficult, and sometimes it gets too much. Unfortunately, men are more likely to suffer in silence than to reach out to someone they trust.

It's important to maintain social connections and support networks when you live alone. This is one of many reasons we recommend mooring in a marina, where you'll find plenty of neighbours with common interests to chat with or at least exchange hellos. Many marinas are also home to cafes and bars that host social events for their moorers, which is a great way to get yourself out and meet some friendly faces.

Having social connections and support networks around you is a great way to look after your mental health and avoid feeling isolated, and sometimes having someone around to ask if you're okay can make all the difference.

The importance of talking about mental health

Unfortunately, there is still a significant stigma surrounding mental health, particularly for men. Society often tells men that they need to be strong, tough and unemotional, which can make it difficult for them to talk openly about their mental health struggles. Men may feel ashamed or embarrassed to seek help for fear of being seen as weak or vulnerable.

This stigma can be even more pronounced among male narrowboat moorers, who may feel like they have to maintain a stoic and independent persona while living alone on the waterways. However, it's important to remember that seeking help for mental health issues is a sign of strength, not weakness.

By opening up and talking about our struggles, we can break down the stigma surrounding mental health and create a more supportive and understanding community on the narrowboat lifestyle.

Sharing our experiences and feelings with others can have numerous benefits, including:

Feeling less alone
Improving overall well-being.
Helping us identify when we need to seek professional support.
Helping us process and understand our emotions better, leading to improved self-awareness and a greater sense of control over our lives.

Support Services Available

Waterways Chaplain: waterwayschaplaincy.org.uk
Samaritans: 08457 909 090
The Money Advice Service: 0300 500 5000
Citizens Advice: 03444 111 444
AdviceUK: 0300 777 0107
Age UK: 0800 169 6565
Moorers Helpline at Enslow Marina (open to public): 01869 351 321
'For those who cruise the waterways' online forum: https://www.reddit.com/r/Narrowboats/

Strategies for tackling loneliness and improving mental health

Here are some practical tips for meeting new people and making friends as a narrowboater:

Join a narrowboat club or association.
Keep an eye out for social events in your area, such as community barbecues, music festivals and boat shows.
Consider volunteering with local charities or organisations such as the Canal & River Trust.
Join online forums or social media groups related to narrowboat living.
Host meet-ups or organise dinners with other boaters in your area. This is a great way to share food and conversation in a relaxed and informal setting.
Keep an eye out for boating events such as canal festivals.
Sign up for courses or workshops, whether they're related to narrowboat living or a completely separate hobby you enjoy.

Maintaining social connections requires effort and commitment, but it can be incredibly rewarding. By putting yourself out there and engaging with your community, you can build lasting friendships and support networks.

Self-care and healthy habits are essential for maintaining good mental health and well-being, particularly for narrowboat moorers who may face unique challenges in their living situation.

Exercise is a great way to boost your mood, reduce stress and improve overall physical health. Even simple activities such as walking along the towpath can help you stay active and connected to nature.

Mindfulness practices such as meditation can also be helpful in managing stress and anxiety. These practices encourage us to focus on the present moment, which can help us feel more grounded and centered.

Seeking professional support such as therapy or counseling can have lots of benefits for narrowboat moorers. Talking to a mental health professional can:

Provide a safe and confidential space to explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment.
Help you develop coping skills and strategies to deal with stressors related to narrowboat living, such as social isolation or financial pressures.
Lead to improved quality of life, better relationships, and greater overall well-being.

It's important to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, and there is no shame in reaching out for support when you need it.

Living on a narrowboat can be a unique and rewarding experience, but it's important to prioritise mental health and well being.

By acknowledging the challenges of loneliness and isolation, and by encouraging moorers to talk to someone they trust about their mental health, we can build stronger, more supportive communities on the waterways.

With the right strategies and support networks in place, narrowboat moorers can enjoy a fulfilling and happy life on the water. Remember, taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health.

If you or someone you know is struggling, know that there is help available. Together we can create a more compassionate and understanding community on the waterways, where everyone can feel supported and connected. Let's work towards a future where mental health is taken seriously and where no one feels alone or isolated on their narrowboat journey.