3 minute read
Making Britain’s beaches accessible with specialist wheelchairs
Who gets to enjoy the beach? For many wheelchair users, the answer might be ‘not me’.
Thankfully, the issue is being addressed by a range of local organisations operating at beaches across the UK. Many are working to improve accessibility and offer specialist equipment such as adapted beach huts and, increasingly, beach wheelchairs.
How do I find a beach wheelchair?
Contact the local tourist board of the area
Visit www.disabilitygrants.org/beachwheelchairs-for-hire.html for an interactive map of beach wheelchair locations
Here are some examples of regional wheelchair hire...
South East
Beach Within Reach, Thanet
Available from 10am to 4pm every day from mid-May to early September, and at other times throughout the year by prior arrangement. Hire is free but donations are welcome. Locations include Minnis Bay, West Bay, St Mildred’s Bay, Westbrook Bay, Margate Main Sands and Viking Bay in Broadstairs.
03333 660661
South West
Cornwall Mobility
Cornwall Mobility received EU funding for the production of their sandchair, which is available to hire for free at 17 locations including beachside cafes, shops and local offices. Available around the coast, from Bude to Looe.
01872 254 920
North West
Fleetwood Beach Wheelchairs
Local residents run this scheme to make the beach at Fleetwood accessible for more people. There are ten chairs available, along with a MoLift Mover 205 hoist (you will need to bring a 4-point sling bar). Chairs can be booked in advance for times between 10am and 4pm from Monday 29th March until further notice.
www.fleetwoodbeachwheelchairs.co.uk
fleetwoodbeachwheelchairs@outlook.com
03000 111 003
North East
Beach Access North East
A volunteer-run organisation providing free loan of specialised equipment at beaches across the North East. Currently operating at several beaches throughout the North East: Bamburgh, Beadnell, Blyth, Newbiggin, Newton-by-the-Sea, South Shields, Whitley Bay and Tynemouth.
0300 999 4444
East Anglia
North Norfolk District Council
After their first beach wheelchair at Cromer beach was quickly booked up last year, North Norfolk District Council has invested in a second wheelchair for Sheringham beach. Both wheelchairs are now available to hire for free. They can be booked 11am - 4pm, and 11am - 3pm on Fridays.
www.north-norfolk.gov.uk/tasks/yourcommunity/book-a-beach-wheelchair
beachwheelchair@north-norfolk.gov.uk
Scotland
Beach Wheelchairs
Beach Wheelchairs is a small Scottish charity, established in 2015. Their mission is to get people back on the sand enjoying Scotland’s beautiful beaches. Available at North Berwick, East Lothian and Portobello, Edinburgh.
North Berwick - 0300 111 2112 to book; Portobello - 0300 666 0990 to book; Seton Sands - 01875 813333 to book
Wales
Pembrokeshire Coast
Specialist wheelchairs are available across the Pembrokeshire coast, provided by the National Park Authority. Available at 11 locations, including Castle Beach, South Beach and North Beach in Tenby.
www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/things-todo/access-for-all/beach-wheelchairs/
info@pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk
01646 624800
Channel Islands
Jersey Beachability
BeachAbility is a charity providing specially designed manual, ballooned wheelchairs for use on the beach and other rough terrain. Available in locations of La Braye, St Brelade, Gunsite, Bel Royal, West Park, La Mare, Long Beach, Gorey.
07797 935088
