EASTERN BEACH MOBILITY SERVICE

As part of the Care Agency ongoing process to increase services to disabled persons, we are once again providing facilities on Eastern Beach in order to allow persons with temporary or permanent disabilities, access to the beach with ease during the summer period. The service will allow individuals with disabilities a far greater integration into society and greater enjoyment for families and friends. Once again, the facilities will include a reception pergola which will be manned by Staff from the Care Agency who are fully trained, some of whom worked on the Project in 2009.

The specialized equipment will include amphibious chairs, hoists and a wheelchair to assist with people wishing to access the service from their cars parked on the nearby car park. There will be 3 Beach Tents available which can be used by visitors to the service.

The service will run from 13th June 2010 until 11th September 2010, for the summer season, giving any person with restricted mobility the opportunity to access the southern part of Eastern Beach and the sea (last year it was on the North Side), whether they are visiting Gibraltar or they reside here.

Leaflets outlining the service have been distributed at various locations in Gibraltar, such as Morrison’s, the Citizens Advice Bureau, the Tourist Board and Hotels, giving details of the location and a map to help those people not familiar with Gibraltar, showing how to get there.

We would like to give a huge ‘thank you’ to all of the people who contributed their invaluable help and support, not only in last years Project, but again this year. Too numerous to mention individually are all of those involved, however the Gibraltar Disabilities Society, the Gibraltar Tourist Board, the Royal Gibraltar Police, the MOD Fire and Rescue Service and the Care Agency Staff, all of whom have enabled the service to be launched and continued.

If the community spirit shown by everyone involved in 2009 is as forthcoming this year, then it is felt that the service will be a great success for the people of Gibraltar and those visiting ‘The Rock’

For further enquiries, contact Jennie Allison, the Clinical Standards Compliance Director, The Care Agency on 200 70732 or the Mobility Assistants on 54018017 during operating hours, 1pm – 8pm, every day of the week.

Commenting on the service, the Minister with responsibility for the Disabled, the Hon. J.J. Netto stated:

“All forward looking societies should do their utmost when removing physical and artificial frame of mind barriers that exclude some members of our society to the enjoyment they deserve. The Eastern Beach project is another step in the right direction”.

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