Sport England - Movement Fund has provided £15,000 of match funding
Sidmouth Watersports Hub - Access 4 All
Sidmouth, , United Kingdom
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Aim: The Access 4 All project aims to transform the hub into a modern, accessible asset for watersports participants and the wider community.
Our aims Sidmouth Watersports Hub is embarking on an exciting "Access for All" project to transform the facility into a truly inclusive community hub incorporating a lift, accessible toilets with refurbished changing rooms. Through a variety of creative fundraising efforts - from draws and auctions to sales and grant funding - the team is rallying our clubs and the community to come together and make this vision a reality. Sports England sees the value of our project and has pledged £15000 if we can raise the other £15000 through at least 25 unique supporters through this crowdfunder. A chance not to be missed!
Who are we?
The Watersports Hub is the heart of Sidmouth's vibrant Watersports scene, home to the Sailing Club, Gig Club, Sea Angling Club, Surf Lifesavers and working closely with Sidmouth Lifeboat, Sea swimmers and cyclists. But the Hub is so much more than that - it's a space for the entire community to gather, and can be hired for a special occasion or a regular activity like pilates, yoga, or other fitness classes.
Our plans
The Hub building was constructed in the 1970's and don't we know it! The sitting areas, bar and kitchen are all upstairs on the first floor, whilst the views are great, they are not always readily accessible.
The "Access 4 All" project aims to take the community hub to new heights, ensuring the facility is accessible and welcoming to all. Key upgrades include installing an internal platform lift to promote supported access to the first floor, reconfiguring the ladies' toilet to create an accessible option for all, including baby changing facilities and refurbishing the changing rooms to meet modern health and safety standards. These enhancements will make it easier for the whole community, families with pushchairs, volunteers restocking the bar, and anyone with mobility challenges to fully enjoy this incredible local asset.
Stories
Alice has been a member of the sailing club for around 30 years. She has always had physical challenges, however for the last five years she has been unable to access the club. These pictures show her on the water in her hey day and now with problems accessing the club.
Derek is a life long member of the sailing club, at least 50 years. He is now a supporter member, but struggling to use the facilities.
Bar Staff are all volunteers. They have to carry all of the drinks and supplies for the bar and kitchen up and down the stairs. In fact everything has to be carried up and down the stairs!
John was a founder member of the sailing club in the 1970’s. He sadly passed on in 2023 aged 95 years. Even in his 80’s he would help out with events. Sadly, he too, was unable to access the building in his latter years.
Families with children frequently visit the hub. Some sail and take part in activities, others come to watch partners and friends, often with small children which is not always easy!
Sarah comes from up country. She visits Sidmouth every year during folk week. She loves to come to the Watersports Hub for breakfasts or lunch and of course the views. She is a wheelchair user, shuffles up the stairs on her behind, her partner following carrying the wheelchair.
Ian has been part of the Watersports hub for many years. He whole family is local, his mother recently sadly passed away, however they could not use the Watersports Hub for the wake as it had no lift/wheelchair access. This has been similar for other people who have wanted to use the venue for events, but have been unable to because of the access.
How you can help?
You can be a part of this transformative project. There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.
1. Make a donation. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success! Every pound counts. You may be able to claim one of our exciting rewards too!
2. Spread the word. This costs nothing so please share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get. Tell your neighbours and friends and get your colleagues to share it too. They all may want to know the activities that take place at the hub or how they could hire it for that special occasion.
3. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!
4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a good idea!
Together, we can make the Sidmouth Watersports Hub a shining example of true inclusivity and community spirit. Let's make a difference!
What other fundraising is taking place?:
We are holding several events to try and raise more funds, these include a grand prize draw, an auction of promises and a jumble sale. We even have someone "Everesting" on his bike up Sidbury Hill to try and raise money and some members rowing to the Isles of Scilly. If you look below you can claim a reward depending on what you donate.
The Grand Prize Draw is registered under the Gambling Act 2005, Licence SL0390, the promoter is Stephen Smith, the Secretary of the Watersports Hub. Tickets are not transferable and may not be purchased by persons under 16 years age. Tickets will be available from members of any of the clubs or behind the bar at the hub.
The auction of promises will also be available to be bid via an app as well as on the auction night.
We are also applying for grants from a range of sources and will flag these up under our updates when they arrive. If you have any sources we can tap - please let us know!!
More information about the Watersports Hub:
The building as it is now. Upstairs was refurbished a few years ago with an updated bar area and commercial standard kitchen. The first photo below shows volunteers serving food to emergency services when the hub was used as a base when they were dealing with a major incident. Second photo shows the hub all set up for a party.
Downstairs in another story, and access between the two floors impossible for some as explained above.
Some pictures of our activities. If you aren't already a member and are interested in joining any of our clubs, information can be found on the hub website. Or if you donate you could claim one of the "on-the-water" rewards!
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 22nd August 2025 at 3:12pm