Diametric thrilled to support Beach Accessibility Project
When our Chairman, Graham Steele, attended a promotional event for a beach accessibility project in Ryde on the Isle of Wight, it prompted him to add our company’s support to the cause. “I was moved by the reality that our wonderful beaches just aren’t accessible for some people, and when I learnt about the project in Ryde, I knew Diametric could support by making a donation.”
A family day at the beach is usually among our fondest childhood memories. As soon as the hint of summer arrives, people flock to enjoy the sunshine at the seaside. If you are near the coast, watching the waves and breathing in the sea air is a popular and easily accessible pastime all year round, isn’t it…?
What if you, or one of your family, couldn’t get onto the beach. What if the sand or shingle became a barrier and you had to miss out on something that can bring so much joy. There are around 1500 beaches in the UK. However, the majority of these beaches are not accessible to those with mobility needs, meaning many people are missing out.
With its wonderful mixture of sandy shores and rugged coastline, the Isle of Wight has long been a go to holiday destination. When Jan Brookes launched the charity Isle Access in 2016, she immediately began campaigning for the island’s beaches to be more accessible for wheelchair users and those with mobility needs.
Two years ago, after receiving feedback about the limitations of beach access, Ryde Town Council then launched their beach accessibility plan. This included installing a seasonal boardwalk and providing specialised wheelchairs to aid both residents and visitors to the area. Valuable support from key stakeholders, including accessibility advisors Unlimited Island and Isle Access, enabled Ryde Town Council to promote the project and gain the funds needed through sponsorship and crowdfunding.
To put the plan into action, a local company donated their digger (and time) to help prepare the beach for the 200 metres of bespoke boardwalk, which was handcrafted by NaShers, a dedicated men’s sheds group on the island. The boardwalk is positioned in several areas of the beach, allowing access to different parts of the seafront.
As well as the boardwalk, a range of equipment is also now available to hire free of charge, this includes beach and sea wheelchairs, and a sand rollator. Another addition is the seasonal Changing Places unit which includes a ceiling hoist, changing bench, shower, and accessible amenities.
The success of the project is testament to the dedication and determination of a fairly small group of people. However, the number of people who will potentially benefit from the installation is endless. Individuals with mobility needs can now access parts of the beach independently, and families can spend days out together instead of being separated at the seaside. And there are plans to extend the scheme even further.
Stacey Steele, our Chief Operating Officer, who was with Graham at the opening of the facilities on Ryde Beach said, “Thanks to our team’s commitment and hard work, we are able to give something back to the community. We are so glad to have been able to contribute towards this fantastic addition to the seafront at Ryde. It means that everyone can now enjoy spending time at the beach. No one should be excluded because of mobility needs.”