Access for All Promotes Disability Services
Nearly 300 people joined Golding Vision, the community arm of local housing provider Golding Homes, for its annual Access for All event on Saturday 2 September at Market Hall, Maidstone.
Access for All is a free activity and information day that promotes a range of information, advice and activities for people with a physical, learning or mental disability who may not be aware of the services that are available, or how to access them.
With over 30 different organisations in attendance there was something for everyone with lots of entertainment for the children including a bouncy castle, free ice cream for every child and a magic show, presented by Smee from this year’s Maidstone Studios Panto.
Golding Vision was pleased to welcome some new organisations to their Invictus themed event, including Gravity Trampoline Parks, Leybourne Grange Riding School for the Disabled, Kent MS Therapy Centre, SE Lawn Tennis and Gravesend Dynamite Wheelchair Rugby Club.
James Hazel, from Gravesend Dynamite Wheelchair Rugby Club, was able to share his inspirational story with others on the day, whilst promoting the club.
Losing his leg four years ago in a motorbike accident he thought his rugby playing days were over, until he found out about the Gravesend Dynamite Wheelchair Rugby Club. James said: “It’s a really friendly club and they have helped me out a lot. We also have some able-bodied members and even my Dad has come along to play.”
James is now working towards gaining a formal coaching qualification so that he can give demonstrations in schools to encourage young people to get involved in wheelchair rugby: “I used to work in an office selling insurance but this qualification will give me a whole new direction in life.”
Representative Veronica Cruise from Kent Fire and Rescue said: “We have been able to engage with lots of different members of the community about our free Safe & Well visits. As a direct result of attending Access for All we will be organising more visits to people’s homes in the coming weeks, which are available for families, young people over 17 and anyone with a disability. It’s been a very worthwhile day.”
Caroline McBride, Head of Community Development at Golding Homes said: “This event is a great opportunity to raise awareness about the many services and activities that are on offer to people with disabilities. We hope everyone who attended had an enjoyable day and we look forward to next year.”