A new scheme providing free beach wheelchairs is dramatically improving seaside access for disabled residents and visitors across East Suffolk. For families like Catriona and her nine-year-old daughter Leila, who lives with severe developmental delays, a simple day at the beach was once a significant challenge due to Leila's reliance on a wheelchair.
Catriona, a Felixstowe resident, explained the difficulties previously faced. "It can be quite difficult to leave her wheelchair up on the prom, and then try and carry her down, so we don't tend to go very often," she said. The physical strain and the risk of injury to Leila, especially over stones, often deterred them from enjoying their local coastline. However, the introduction of these specialised wheelchairs has been described as "life-changing" for the family, offering a much safer and easier way for Leila to enjoy the sand and sea.
East Suffolk Council has rolled out the free-to-hire beach wheelchairs in Felixstowe, Southwold, and Lowestoft. These chairs are specifically designed with larger wheels to navigate challenging terrains like shingle and sand more effectively. Users can access the chairs, stored securely in lockers, via a pin code provided by the council once their request has been approved. The service is available seasonally, from 1 May to 31 October, with provisions for access outside these dates upon request.
Councillor Sarah Whitelock, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture, Leisure and Tourism, highlighted the council's commitment to creating inclusive public spaces. "We are committed to providing welcoming, accessible seafront spaces for everyone," she stated, referencing other accessible amenities such as boardwalks, outdoor gym equipment, changing places toilets, and accessible beach chalets. The initiative directly addresses the needs of a significant portion of the local population, with figures indicating that 20.6% of people in East Suffolk are registered disabled.
As schools prepare for the summer holidays, the availability of these beach wheelchairs opens up new opportunities for families like Catriona's. "It's always hard to find things to do with Leila where she's going to be safe and not hurt herself," Catriona shared. The ease of transferring Leila from her regular wheelchair to the beach chair, coupled with accessible ramps, means they can now look forward to more frequent and enjoyable visits to the beach, offering Leila the chance to experience the seaside in comfort and safety.