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!

It never ceases to amaze me what can be done with a little idea. Adam mentioned to me Barcelona’s accessible beach early last year and we both thought what a great facility this was and wouldn’t it be great if we could do the same thing in Cyprus. This would really show the world that Q Well Being wasn’t a beacon of accessibility in a sea of disinterest but that Larnaca was really keen to champion inclusivity.

Well in 16th April 2009 Savvas, Tanni and the Mayor of Larnaca launched the Q Well being Accessible beach to the TV and press in Cyprus! It is not built yet but will be soon.

I just had to put finger to keyboard and moan that even in the accessible city that is London it has taken me over an hour on the interweb and phone to find a restaurant that has a fully accessible loo.

The information is just not readily available. I was having a dinner meeting with Adam and Tanni and it was really important to find a restaurant that met all our needs. In the end I plumped for Pizza Express!

Things must change and if it’s like that in London…