Work to Make Life Easier for Those with Disabilities Recognised

Published on: 17 Oct, 2024
Updated on: 19 Oct, 2024

Winners of the Mayor’s Award for Access 2024. In front centre is The Mayor Saillie Barker and joint chair of The Guildford Access Group Diana Lockyer-Nibbs Photo Michelle Presley

Winners of this year’s Mayor’s Award for Access celebrated their achievements this week with the Mayor of Guildford, Sallie Barker MBE, and members of The Guildford Access Group.

The Mayor’s award recognises people across our borough who make positive contributions to the lives of people with disabilities. Buildings used by the public are judged for their accessibility.

This year’s winners were selected by The Guildford Access Group.

Services to the community award

Simon Teagle and his co-fundraisers

Completing the Cornish Coast Challenge in May, they raised £12,000 for the Samson Centre. That’s 480km in seven days! The Samson Centre helps people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) live the best life they can by keeping well physically and mentally.

Kane Radio Station, MindWaves

This youth project works with 14 to 25 year-olds with special needs and/or mental health challenges. The project gives young people an opportunity to gain new skills and boost their confidence.

Normandy Village Shop and Café

The award recognises the hard work that goes into running this venture. It’s owned and run by the community for the community.

Mack Entertainment

The team provides entertainment to care homes, helping to lift the spirits of residents.

Premises access award winners

Gold Award

West Horsley Place

Silver Award

Guildford Baptist Church for their Changing Places facilities

Fairlands Medical Practice

Bronze Award

St Nicolas Church

Shere Village Hall

The Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Sallie Barker was thrilled to present winners with their certificates. She said: “I was delighted to learn about all the great work that people and organisations are doing in our borough to make a difference to the lives of people with disabilities.

“We all have a role to play in making our communities more inclusive and accessible. I hope that by showcasing your achievements others will be inspired to make their groups more inclusive and their buildings accessible for all.”

The Chairpersons of The Guildford Access Group, Gemma Roulston and former mayor Diana Lockyer-Nibbs added: “The Guildford Access Group and Guildford Borough Council have worked hard to encourage organisations and venues in the borough to be accessible to disabled people.

“We are very thankful that many people in the borough have put themselves out to make their services and buildings as accessible as possible. This benefits everyone.”

Some examples of the criteris for the awards are:

Bronze Award:

level or suitably ramped access
stepped access to have handrails
doors suitably weighted to facilitate ease of opening.

Silver Award:

As above plus:

lift access to upper floors
low level counters at reception desks or till points
staff to have undergone disability needs awareness training.

Gold Award:

As above plus:

automatic doors on public entrances
low level lift buttons both on landings and in lift cars
lift buttons to visually contrasting against background with raised lettering and voice announcement.