ACCESS REVIEWS.

Access Reviews and Inclusive Improvement

Our Access Reviews encourage local businesses to think more actively about accessibility. Each review acts as a gap analysis, identifying barriers within the physical environment and in the services people use.

 

During the review process, disabled volunteers carry out mystery shops and gather essential feedback. This insight helps organisations understand where improvements are needed and supports practical action to drive inclusion.

 

Role of Access Champions

Our Access Champions are lead volunteers with lived experience of disability. They play an integral role in supporting the Tailored Leisure Team and volunteers to develop action plans, communicate reasonable adjustments, and enhance the disabled visitor experience.

 

The Access Champions volunteering pathway was shaped and designed by our volunteers. They identified the need for this role while conducting Access Reviews across the region during the last funding period.

 

Partnerships and Community Impact

We have provided consultation to Bamburgh Castle, Spanish City, Customs House  in South Shields and, in particular, the Life Science Centre in Newcastle, which recently won Gold Award for Accessible and Inclusive Tourism at the North East Tourism Awards . This work supports accessible and inclusive changes in community environments and helps improve the visitor experience for local disabled people.

 

We are also working with Gateshead College to embed this activity into the curriculum, giving disabled students opportunities to take part and gain experience.

 

Recognition

Our work has gained recognition in the community. At the North East Chamber of Commerce Inspirational Female Business Awards 2024, our CEO was named a winning finalist for Best Community and CSR Business, recognising this work alongside our Sit to be Fit services.

 

Does this sound like something you’d like to get involved in?

If you have a disability and passionate about making local tourism attractions, restaurants and sports venues and more… accessible places, then please contact the Tailored Leisure team, via our contact us section, to register your interest and for more information.