Inclusive Beach Portstewart

Aim

To enable people of all ages and abilities, including wheelchair users, to enjoy a family day at Portstewart Strand.

Shouldn't EVERYONE know that the sea is salty?!

'Do you know the sea is salty?'. These are the words of a 17 year old wheelchair user who enjoyed her first dip in the ocean since infancy. Enjoying a day at the beach is something we all take for granted but shouldn't EVERYONE have this opportunity?! Northern Ireland has stunning beaches, but most are currently not accessible to wheelchair users as chairs are so difficult to push on the sand!   

Coronavirus; time to get outdoors!

Our members, of all ages and abilities (this includes physical, sensory and learning disability), have been shielding and taking extreme caution for 18 months. They have told us that getting outdoors and getting active as a family are a priority.

We have created several Inclusive Beaches across Northern Ireland and this funding would enable us to create this service at Portstewart Strand, in partnership with the National Trust. We would use this funding to buy beach wheelchairs and a beach walker. These will enable wheelchair users to enjoy a walk or run on the beach or a swim in the sea. Mae Murray Foundation will also run various water sport activity sessions each season.

What is an Inclusive Beach?

 Informed by our members with their lived experience, we have pioneered the creation of 3 inclusive beaches so far in NI with equipment, available to hire, free of charge, enabling a family to enjoy their beach day out. Examples of the equipment include: 

- Floating chairs, which enable wheelchair users or those who are unsteady on their feet to enjoy a swim in the sea. 

- All-terrain wheelchairs (land-based chairs), which enable those with disabilities to enjoy a walk or run on the beach and join in community activities and events.

- Beach crutches and beach walker for those who need support to walk on the beach.

- Dignified toileting for all including a changing bench and hoist. The National Trust have recently installed a Changing Places toilet and this can be used by members, who have borrowed beach equipment.

- Textured beach walkways with contrast markings for those who are blind or have vision impairments. These are also used by groups of more than 5 wheelchair users, or those who cannot transfer out, so that they can have an accessible base on which to enjoy the beach. 

To book a piece of equipment, members simply book via our website, free of charge. We have created procedures for beach operators who, in partnership, support us to deliver this project by facilitating equipment handovers, making it sustainable and affordable for all.

What benefit will this Inclusive Beach have?

- Disabled people, of all ages, those with sensory issue who do not like the feel of the sand, those with limited mobility and their family will be able to enjoy a swim in the sea or a walk on the beach - something they currently cannot do at Portstewart Strand.

- Improved physical wellbeing for disabled people and their family across Northern Ireland. Often physical activity is only suited to the member of the family who has a disability OR the non-disabled members; at Inclusive Beaches everyone can take part together, enabling them to get active more often.

- Improved mental wellbeing for members and their family due to getting active more often.

- Improved societal attitudes as disabled people will be visible at the beach environment.

- Increased Tourism. Once Portstewart Strand is inclusive, it can be enjoyed by disabled people all over the country and beyond!

This project successfully funded on 8th March 2022