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It's a Yes, Minister for £1m coastal catalyst for Purple Pound across Fylde Coast

A Blackpool-based disability charity has clinched almost £1m from the Government’s Coastal Communities Fund.

Disability First, which is 25 years old this year, bagged one of the biggest grants in the fifth round of the fund which encourages the economic development of UK coastal communities through sustainable growth.

The £985,522 award winning Access Fylde Coast project was put together by a strong business and community partnership driving through changes to make all three local boroughs more inclusive for all.

It is one of 16 ‘fast track’ projects to snare a share of £6m funding nationwide under the ‘new deal for the great British coast’ offered by Coastal Communities minister Jake Berry, MP for Rossendale and Darwen.

Only two made the grade in Lancashire – Lancashire Wildlife Trust won £71k towards a project boosting nature tourism through events, talks, surveys and workshops to encourage local communities to champion the coast.

These now lead the way for main round bids for the remaining £34m with winners announced early next year and cash available from April.

The Disability First-led Access Fylde Coast project will be funded from October right through to June 2020 to improve the tourism offer and visitor experience for people with disabilities visiting the Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre coast.

Projects include training courses for local businesses to support people with disabilities, organising new events, development of assistive technology – building on the success of the Blackpool Transport app and more – trained volunteer access guides/buddies.

The value of the so-called Purple Pound – the consumer spending power of 11m disabled people and their families – is said to be worth almost £250 billion. Yet many feel excluded from experiences and opportunities that others take for granted.

Coastal Communities and Northern Powerhouse minister Berry confirmed it was all systems go for the Disability First-led Access Fylde Coast project at a presentation at Lytham Hall.

He paid tribute to the vision of Disability First CEO Alan Reid and other champions of the disability partnership project.

The event was attended by Fylde MP Mark Menzies, charity trustee Jennifer Jaynes, representatives from Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Councils, St Annes Town Council, Blackpool Transport, Marketing Lancashire, Lancaster University, Disabled Go, Blackpool BID Coastal Community teams, the Volunteer Centre for Blackpool Fylde and Wyre.

Also present was senior ministerial and policy manager (for the Dept for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy) Katherine O’Connor who began her career in tourism in Blackpool back in the ‘80s. O’Connor also works with the Northern Powerhouse.

Mr Berry said: “For many of us who live and work in Lancashire, the idea of opening up what I consider to be one of the most beautiful coastlines in the country to people who might otherwise have problems accessing it is hugely exciting. We are breaking new ground through technology and other projects. This has been a real team effort.

“We are looking for innovation, team work and the ability to set the standard for the rest of the country. You have demonstrated all that. That passion got you here. Where you lead others will follow. Our coastal community teams will signpost other areas of the country to go and see what they are doing in Blackpool Fylde and Wyre – and replicate it.”

Alan Reid CEO of Disability First said: “We are thrilled and proud to be awarded this grant, especially in our 25th year as a charity. Access Fylde Coast will be a game changer.

“All the partners worked hard to get where we are. We identified projects, the difference each could make. Improvements have been made over the years to assist people with physical conditions, but this project will go far wider and also include the needs of sensory, mental health and learning conditions.

“This is ground-breaking. It’s the largest amount of money the department has given to a disability-focused project. This could be a best practice model to other UK coastal towns. ‘A number of high-profile disabled comedians have been in the media this year, Lee Ridley aka Lost Voice Guy helped to change perceptions of disability and went on to win Britain’s Got Talent. At the other end of the scale, comedian Tanyalee Davis was humiliated for using a train’s disabled space for her mobility scooter.

“There is still a lot of polarisation when it comes to public attitudes towards disability. The Fylde Coast must strive to become a more truly inclusive resort for all.

The Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre Disability Partnership have been heavily involved in terms of both the consultation body as well as having specialist knowledge on the needs of a wide range of disabilities. The support from local authorities, Marketing Lancashire, and other really strong businesses and community groups has been amazing too.

“Disability First wants this project to change preconceptions of disability, enhance business customer care and facilities, use digital applications to support independence and also showcase high profile disabled performers at major events, including the Blackpool Illumination Switch On and Lytham Festival.

“It will play a major part in addressing negative experiences across Blackpool Fylde and Wyre for residents and tourists with health or disability conditions.”

Trustee Jennifer Jaynes added: “Alan’s networking skills are second to none but this is not about one person or one group - partnership has been key to securing the funds and it’s partnership which will take it onwards.”

The minister also heard directly from those who live with the challenges of disability –N-Vision (Blackpool Fylde and Wyre Society for the Blind) Low Vision worker Brian Casey and Emma Whitty-Haddock, who works at the Volunteer Centre Blackpool Fylde and Wyre.

Brian is severely sight impaired – as a result of two separate sports injuries nearly 30 years ago. Emma has spina bifida. Neither has let disability prevent them from achieving goals – and from encouraging others to do the same.

Brian Casey, who was the first European to trial eSight glasses, said: “I’m just a little person trying to spread the word but if more of us do that we can make a huge difference. Disabled people tell me they never get to find out about technology. I run a group featuring specialist software for tablets and other devices for the visually impaired. They are isolated no more. One lady – who’s 96 – had a one-hour lesson with me and now Skypes her family. Visual impairment – like deafness – is a hidden disability.”

Emma Whitty-Haddock added: “I came here in ‘91, at 20, to work in tourism. I have seen the Fylde Coast change. I’m a wheelchair user myself so know the issues. We need to focus on accessibility to the coast, not just to the centre but around the Fylde Coast, and not just for wheel chairs, the universal symbol of disability, but looking at technology to open up the Fylde Coast to as many people as we possibly can.”

Lynn Saggerson, CEO Volunteer Centre, Blackpool Fylde and Wyre, explained: “Volunteers will be involved in a number of ways, providing people with information, access, buddying people to events and activities and venue. A large part of the problem is that people, particularly those living alone, don’t have anyone to go with. Support to access activities will be a big part of our involvement.”

Fylde MP Mark Menzies who lobbied for funding concluded: “The amount of money secured is quite phenomenal. I have to pay tribute to Alan Reid – who got in touch with me initially – and to the people in the community who have identified projects. Also, to Jake for coming, listening and doing the right thing for a hell of a lot of people whose lives will benefit as a result.

“Let’s get those projects nailed down. Let’s get the money spent. Let’s start making a difference to people’s lives as soon as we can. Disability is a barrier if you – we – allow it to be. Let’s open up areas of the Fylde to those who currently cannot access it or don’t know it’s there. Let’s be really ambitious. We can show other part of the country what you can do if you believe, have money, support and drive – we have all those things now. This is a great day.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Jacqui Morley .