Awards For Those Who Provide Better Access For Disabled People

Published on: 22 Oct, 2016
Updated on: 22 Oct, 2016

Organisations and businesses who work to provide better access and facilites for disabled people have received awards from the Mayor of Guildford.

Recipients of this year’s Mayor’s Awards For Access pictured with the Mayor of Guildford, Gordon Jackson.

They were presented by the mayor, Gordon Jackson, at the Park Barn Social Centre on Tuesday, October 18.

This year’s recipients included nine groups and the co-chairperson of the Access Group for Guildford, Jenny Teagle.

Stoughton Community Centre – Silver Award for Access

For the newly improved accessible facilities, inclusion of ramps, wider door and adult changing facilities.

Disability Challengers – Bronze Award for management of Services

For the amazing work that Disability Challengers provides delivering play and leisure to disabled children and young people across Surrey and Hampshire.

Worplesdon Place Hotel – Silver Award for Access

For the improved accessible facilities, by moving the disabled toilet and making it bigger, creating a more accessible bar and decking.

Equip at Park Barn Adult Day Care Centre – Services to the Community

For the provision of a much needed referral service, enabling potential users to try out equipment such as a walk in shower, stairlift, bed, sinks and lifts before having them installed in their homes.

Guildford Rowing Club, Adaptive Squad – Services to the Community

For the provision of top quality adaptive rowing classes which allows people with disabilities the opportunity to take part in rowing.

Ride for a Reason – Access Through Sports

A small independent riding school specialising in supporting children with learning difficulties run by Alison Oakden.

Surrey Sports Park – Bronze Award for Access

For the provision of its accessible facilities.

Staff from Guildford Action were presented with the Silver Award for Access and Services to the Community.

Guildford Action – Silver Award for Access and Services to the Community

For the provision of accessible services and for the amazing support work provided to isolated families and homeless people.

The halow project – Services to the Community

For providing opportunities and support for young people to access social activities, community based learning and work like experiences.

Jenny Teagle – Outstanding

For outstanding services and support to the Access Group for Guildford over the last eight years in her capacity as chairperson.

The mayor said: “The awards recognise the real difference local groups can make to people with disabilities. We hope the awards will inspire others to work towards creating a more accessible environment for us all.”

Gemma Roulston and Jenny Teagle, co-chairpersons of the Access Group for Guildford added: “The mayor’s award recognises the good work that many local agencies, businesses and individuals are undertaking to better meet the needs of people with disabilities who live in ,or visit Guildford, and to improve the quality of life for all members of our community. We hope that these awards will inspire others to contribute to future projects which create more opportunities and choice for everyone.”

The Access Group for Guildford was set up in 1978 at a time when there was almost no legislation protecting people with disabilities. It represents a wide range of residents and includes elected councillors and officers from Guildford Borough Council and Surrey County Council. The Access Group can give advice on designing an accessible environment. For more information call Jenny Teagle on 01483 481101.