Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust are celebrating a National Lottery Award for a new project called Heritage Ability.
When it comes to visitors coming to Cockington, accessibility really does matter.
A statement which was proven when a local project, working with the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust, to open up Cockington for the disabled and deaf people, were told it had won a National Lottery Award for Heritage.
Introducing Heritage Ability
Heritage Ability were one of 700 other projects, voted for by the public, to make it onto the shortlist.
7 other lottery funded heritage projects from across the UK were also shortlisted.
Whilst filming with the BBC for the prestigious London Ceremony.
Heritage Ability together with staff from the Torbay Coast and Country Side trust learn of their win.
The news came in the form of actress Sally Phillips and a plane flying a banner with the exciting announcement.
Delivered by disability charity, Living Options
Living Options is a charity working across the South West to ensure people with disabilities and Deaf people who use British Sign language can live the lives they choose.
Living Options will be responsible for delivering the Heritage Ability project, which is taking big strides in accessibility.
Working alongside heritage and countryside sites such as Cockington Country Park to deliver many accessible solutions including an all-terrain mobility scooter, a British Sign Language video tour and an accessible guide.
19% of the UK have a disability
Everyday disabled people encounter barriers that many of us take for granted, which is worrying given 19% of the UK have a disability.
Hannah Worthington, Cockington Green Heart Access Officer for the Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust said:
Visits to local attractions like Cockington are not always possible for those with disabilities. Working with Heritage Ability has given us the chance to open up this fantastic green space in the heart of Torbay for many more people. We are delighted that the team have been recognised for their contribution with this national award. It has been a privilege to be one of the 20 sites across the South West to be a part of this brilliant project
Maryann Soper, Heritage Ability, Project Manager said:
Accessibility means better visitor attractions, family experiences, inclusion and happier people! We’re working tirelessly across the South West and we hope that many more visitor destinations will want to follow in the Trust’s footsteps in making a more inclusive tourist industry for everyone
Tune your TVs into BBC One on Wednesday 26th September to watch the ceremony live.
