Ryde Beach Accessibility

Welcome to our crowdfunding campaign dedicated to making Ryde Beach on the Isle of Wight accessible to everyone! 

Imagine strolling along 5 miles of sandy beaches, feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin, and hearing the soothing sounds of the waves crashing against the shore. For many, this idyllic scene is a reality, but unfortunately, for some members of our community, it remains out of reach due to accessibility barriers.

We believe that nobody should miss out on the simple joys of beach days with friends and family due to mobility challenges. That's why we're embarking on an ambitious project to ensure that Ryde Beach becomes a welcoming destination for all. 

Improving accessibility not only enhances physical health but also has a profound impact on mental well-being. By providing accessible facilities and equipment, we aim to empower individuals to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the beach and sea swimming, fostering a sense of belonging and happiness for all members of our community. 

With the generous support of local entities such as the Isle of Wight Council, Visit Isle of Wight, Hovertravel, Ryde Community Development Trust, Unlimited Island, Isle Access and Grace’s Bakery, we've laid the groundwork for our vision. Now, we need YOUR HELP to take it to the next level.

How will we spend the funds raised?

In collaboration with accessibility advocates including Isle Access, Unlimited Island, and the Isle of Wight Council, we're proposing the installation of a seasonal wooden boardwalk. This boardwalk will provide a smooth and accessible pathway on the sand during the summer months, allowing pedestrians, families with strollers, and individuals with limited mobility or in wheelchairs to enjoy the beach experience. Thanks to existing contributions from Ryde Town Council and Isle of Wight Council, construction of the wooden boardwalk is already underway with the help of NaShers (Nettlestone and Seaview Sheds) who have already completed an impressive number of sections. 

But that's not all. We're also committed to ensuring that beach access extends beyond the boardwalk. Through public consultations held in the summer of 2023, we've gained valuable insights into the specific needs of individuals with disabilities. From these discussions, it became clear that features such as lateral supports, headrests, and chest straps are essential for enhancing comfort and safety. With your support, we aim to incorporate these features into our upcoming order of beach and water wheelchairs.

And this is just the start! If we secure adequate funds, we aim to expand accessibility by adding a Changing Place, extending boardwalks to more beaches, and potentially increasing the availability of beach and sea wheelchairs based on demand.  

Together, we can make Ryde Beach a place where everyone feels welcome and included. Join us in creating a community where accessibility knows no bounds, and together, let's make beach days truly accessible for all.

                                                                 *****************

How you can play your part

There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.

1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!

2. Spread the word. 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.

3. Offer rewards. 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 fun idea!