Providing access to the sea
for people living with disability

Empowering accessible boating since 1984

Who we are

Friends of MV Freedom is a UK registered charity. It is run entirely by volunteers; there are no paid staff. The charity is administered by a small team of Trustees who are responsible for running and maintaining the boat, providing skippers and crew and raising sufficient funds to run the boat in accordance with MCA codes of practice.

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Our History:

From simple beginnings, our humble and modest aims began and have grown, matured, and been sustained over the many years of operation. The present boat is the third MV Freedom and was custom designed and built to meet the needs of our special clients. The charity was founded in the mid 1980s. The idea sprang up in a Weymouth care home and matured into its current form. We have well-established policies and procedures to govern how the charity is run and to ensure a safe and comfortable working environment. We comply with Charity Commission guidelines and Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Codes of Practice, where they apply.

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Fundraising:

It costs around £20,000 a year to keep MV Freedom afloat, on a harbour mooring and running twice daily trips throughout the season. In addition to funding the boat, we endeavour to lay down funds for a replacement vessel that will be needed in the not-too-distant future. Much of this funding is raised by donations received from the local community and from our clients on the boat. See how you might get involved.

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