Carnival Time at Access for All
It was carnival time at the Market Hall in Maidstone on Saturday as hundreds of visitors enjoyed a morning of activities and live music, organised by Golding Vision, in celebration of the Paralympics and to promote disability awareness.
The rhythms of the Old School Samba, a local community band of drummers, added to the carnival atmosphere by entertaining the crowds with their infectious Samba Reggae music, while members of the Maidstone Rebel Wheelchair Basketball Team showed off skills and expertise with a game of wheelchair basketball.
A range of organisations and clubs where also available to offer advice and information about their services. These included Maidstone Swimming Club for the Disabled Crossroads, Centre for Independent Living Kent, Maidstone United Football Club and British Guide Dogs.
Organised by Golding Vision, the community arm of Kent housing provider Golding Homes, Access for All is a free activity day aimed at supporting the health and wellbeing of people with disabilities, their carers, family and friends.
Amongst the stallholders was Jen Lane, Volunteer Services Co-ordinator for Crossroads. Speaking about the event, she said: “This has been a lovely opportunity to inform people about our services and a lot of people have been interested our volunteer roles.”
Caroline McBride, Head of Community Development at Golding Homes said: “It was a fantastic event and it was lovely to see so many families enjoying the activities and getting into the carnival spirit.”
To see more photos of Access for All visit our Golding Vision Facebook page.