Introducing Wheelyboat Poppy, Poppy Freedom and The Norfolk Charitable Trust
There’s a lot of livin’ to do
Our Mission
TO EMPOWER AND EXCITE AND PROVIDE ADVENTURE, RESPITE AND THERAPY FOR THE DISABLED, SERIOUSLY ILL AND THE ELDERLY.
The Norfolk Charitable Trust (NCT) is dedicated to making our local coastal environment accessible to our beneficaries, their families and carers. We remove barriers that prevent them from enjoying the wellbeing benefits of access to our seascape and it's natural history. Our work helps everyone feel healthy, safe and welcome and brings people together. 
What we do
DELIVER, SAFE, DIGNIFIED, ACCESSIBLE FERRY BOAT TRIPS
NCT operates The Poppy Boats, (Poppy Freedom launching 2027). North Norfolk’s only seagoing accessible vessels. Poppy was launched in 2022. Both vessels will offer exclusive trips into Blakeney Harbour, its National Nature Reserves, and surrounding inshore waters. Visitors expereince a unique histroic coast, its unique wildlife, and the vibrant flora and fauna of this beautiful blue-green space.Disabled people, the seriously ill, and the elderly along with their families and carers, can bond and enjoy this stunning environment together, safely and with dignity.We have a committed team of 40+ trained volunteers covering roles such as skippers, crew, and meet-and-greet and some helping with administration. These are at the heart of our operation. We employ a full-time Operations Manager a part-time Administrator and Fundraiser. Blakeney Harbour
WHY BLAKENEY HARBOUR MATTERS - A UNIQUE NATURAL HAVEN
Trips give passengers access to Blakeney Harbour and its
two National Nature Reserves: Blakeney Reserve, managed by the
National Trust, and Holkham Reserve, managed by Natural England.
This historic natural harbour spans 3.5 miles of tidal waters surrounded
by shingle banks and salt marshes, providing habitat for migrating and
resident bird populations. It is also home to England's largest grey seal
colony, an important tern colony, and a large population of common seals.
Our Impact
WE REDUCE INEQUALITY , CREATE EMPOWERMENT AND GENERATE EXCITEMENT, ADVENTURE, RESPITE AND THERAPY.
By providing access to the harbour and its inshore waters the disabled, seriously ill and the elderly can easily enjoy everything the harbour has to offer. The Poppy Boats break down barriers to access helping disabled people feel more included. They connect with their community, and take part in activities that support their wellbeing and help reduce health inequalities.Some detail about the How?
Much is written about the benefits of blue spaces including a Government Blue Space Report. The detail references benefits to heart rate, cortisol levels and blood pressure. Emotional wellbeing and happiness is achieved including the release of endorphines and there is a reference to reductions in anxiety and depression. The mental reset from access to blue spaces, the way this fosters creativity as well as delivering psycological calm are all impacts that are very positive.