The term Inclusive Beach was coined by Mae Murray Foundation (MMF) to describe a beach environment which has been carefully planned to ensure so that people of all ages and abilities (those with a physical, sensory or learning disability, including those with complex medical needs) can take part. Inclusive Beaches provide access, parking, and toilets, to full Changing Places standard whenever possible. Inclusive Beaches in Northern Ireland offer free beach equipment loan schemes, operated as a partnership between Mae Murray Foundation and respective beach operators.

The beach setting provides a therapeutic blue environment, that can improve mental wellness, reduce stress, and provide opportunities to get active, and yet much of the public are excluded from taking part due to the environment not being suited to their needs. Mae Murray Foundation already have beach wheelchairs and other adapted equipment available at their Inclusive Beaches but, through the GroundsWell Innovation Fund, were able to purchase additional equipment including a specialised sit-down paddle board, adapted so that members can take part alongside their non-disabled friends and family.

 

Alix Crawford, Founder and Chairperson of Mae Murray Foundation says, “We are so pleased to receive this support through the Groundswell Innovation Fund which is allowing us to introduce yet another exciting first to Northern Ireland. Paddleboarding has become extremely popular in recent years, and now everyone can enjoy the benefits this water sport can bring thanks to our new adapted equipment.”

Professor Ruth Hunter, Professor of Public Health and Planetary Health at the Centre for Public Health at Queen’s University Belfast, added “We are delighted to be able to partner with the Mae Murray Foundation to further develop their innovative inclusive beach project. Their work enables people of all abilities to enjoy the numerous health benefits from spending time at beaches and other blue space. We are particularly excited to support the development of an inclusive paddle board programme.”

The GroundsWell Innovation Fund

Earlier this year we launched the GroundsWell Innovation Fund to support partner projects contributing to GroundsWell’s research on improving the health and well-being of people and communities through the use of urban green and blue spaces. The theme of the first round was ‘Growing Together’, which could refer to personal growth, community cohesion and inclusion, community growing, and more. We were delighted with the applications received from a range of projects and organisations across all three of our hub cities. So far, we have funded 10 projects through the scheme and look forward to working with them all to share their stories and measure the project’s impact over the following year and beyond. Read more about each of the funded projects.

Mae Murray Foundation

Mae Murray Foundation is a lived-experience, membership led organisation which makes it possible for people of all ages and abilities to experience the world together, taking part in activities and building friendships in environments which are genuinely inclusive. They recognise all people to be of equal and inseparable value, regardless of physical or learning ability, sensory, medical or undiagnosed condition, age or caring role. They are particularly focused on making sure that people with more complex needs, whose requirements are often overlooked, are able to participate fully. Mae Murray Foundation run a comprehensive range of innovative and inclusive projects for children, teenagers and adults. These range from outdoor activities, to music and social events, and a popular powered wheelchair loan scheme for small children. Crucially, they draw on members’ lived experiences to co-design and implement permanent solutions in everyday environments like beaches so that everyone can participate together.

To learn more about Mae Murray Foundation and their work, visit their website.

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groundswell@qub.ac.uk