Q Well Being

As part of our research for Q Well Being we thought we should go and visit many of the sites around the UK that we’d like to get inspiration from. On 5th January 2009 we went to Aspire in Stanmore to look at their accessible gym and also the access ramp for the swimming pool.

I was really impressed with the equipment and how it was easily changeable for use by both disabled and able bodied alike. We will use some of this equipment in our development

It was also worth nosing around in the changing rooms to see the facilities there. I was less impressed here, I think we will be able to do much better at Q Well Being.

It was useful to see the ramp into the pool and this will definitely be incorporated in to our pool. Interestingly though Paul Smith of the SIA, said that certain types opf wheelchairs float! So we will have to choose carefully.

From there we went to The Thermae Bath Spa in Bath (ironically!) and wow what a fantastic experience; not only is the architecture superb but so was the accessibility of every facility apart from the rooftop pool where we couldn’t work the hoist! Also there was no bed in the changing room for Adam to get into his swimming gear. Even though the facility is impressive it stressed on us the importance of thinking of every detail to ensure the experience is enjoyable and not frustrating for the disabled user!