Stafford charity ask for volunteers to help make the area more accessible
Stafford and District Access Group aims to help improve services for wheelchair users, the elderly, visually impaired and parents with children
Pictured above are Stafford and District Access Group members Beryl Metcalf and Tom Kelt at Stafford Rangers, which with the support of the group have tarmacked their car park
A charitable organisation that aims to improve access to services and facilities across Stafford for all, but particularly for those with mobility difficulties, are asking for your help.
Stafford and District Access Group was formed by Joyce Bridgwood (now Middle) in September 1987.
At the time there were only around ten places in town that wheelchair users and people with mobility difficulties could get in and it became clear that not only did access to buildings need changing but also people’s understanding.
The group aims to help improve services for wheelchair users, the elderly, visually impaired and parents with children. Their website attempts to inform service providers of the access issues that they need to address when dealing with the public and to inform the public of how accessible the borough is to their needs.
A few examples of what they have achieved working with local businesses include improving the sloped access to Stafford Rugby Club, supporting Stafford Rangers’ funding application for tarmac across the car park which was successful, improving the ramp at Golden Orient Chinese buffet and getting dedicated wheelchair and parent and child user bays installed at Broad Street car park.
And they are now looking for volunteers to get involved in a number of ways.
Speaking about what the group needs, secretary Beryl Metcalf said: “Do you have problems with physical access in Stafford? Have you seen things you want to have changed? Then why not come and join Stafford and District Access Group.
“This charity is a voluntary group partnered by Stafford Borough Council. We meet four or five times a year and there are also opportunities for fieldwork.
“We gather information about good provisions and advise businesses and organisations about problematic provisions.
“We normally meet on a Monday morning at the council offices but currently this is done by Zoom.”
If you wish to volunteer, make enquiries or raise issues please phone 01785 600260, email admin@staffordsdag.org or visit their website.
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