Nearly 300 people from the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire boating community have been given their Covid jabs thanks to a floating vaccine centre.

The unique project enables live-aboard boaters – who often face healthcare barriers – to get a Covid-19 vaccine and a drop-in clinic space.

Fanny Gorman, a live-aboard boater, said; “As a key worker, I can’t say how much I appreciated the vaccine boat as I’ve had to work throughout the pandemic.

“I know boaters can have real issues registering with a GP and, personally, if I get a letter from mine, it’s normally delayed getting to me because I have to use the GP surgery address.

“The boater clinic was so well organised and I’m really grateful to everyone involved.”

The joint initiative involving public health teams at Bath and North East Somerset Council, Wiltshire Council, local GP practices, housing charity Julian House and Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group, has ensured that local boaters have been able to receive vaccines in an easily accessible, safe and timely way.

The innovative project delivered vaccinations across the BSW area over the Easter period, including the Dundas Basin, Bradford on Avon, Devizes Wharf and Pewsey Wharf.