Is there a way to ease waiting lists for adult ADHD assessments?
A leading London Psychiatrist says the public and private sectors can team up to support patients facing long NHS waiting times for adult ADHD assessment and treatment, which can sometimes reach over eight years. Dr James Woolley, Consultant Psychiatrist and ADHD Specialist at Schoen Clinic Chelsea in London, explains that if an NHS ADHD Assessment is unavailable in your area, you likely have a right for the NHS to fund an assessment elsewhere. The NHS tries to follow the NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines for service provision, but there are many areas which struggle with capacity. A study carried out by ADHD UK revealed the true level of backlog in the UK in October 2023. ADHD UK’s findings came from Freedom of Information requests about ADHD from every Integrated Health Board (or equivalent) in the country. There is a big variation across the UK – from 12 weeks to 443 weeks across various Trusts. Its survey found the adult waiting the longest has been biding their time for 443 weeks, or 8.5 years. In the UK, NICE guidelines make clear that trained clinicians can make the required robust ADHD assessment, which is always more complex than completing online questionnaires, to be as certain as possible no other conditions are contributing and that any treatment suggestions are safe and compatible with the overall situation. Currently, many referrals made by GPs are screened out and rejected before even reaching a proper clinical assessment, and there is no way to get this reviewed. So patients may need to be referred all over again by the GP to restart the process if needed. Dr Woolley said: “The waiting lists for NHS assessments for many conditions such as autism, ADHD and ADD are simply heartbreaking. People can be in limbo for years, putting them and their families under huge strain. “They may struggle get on with their lives or pursue education or a career without getting an assessment and family relationships can be strained, delaying the opportunity to understand and therefore receive the treatment they need to get on and live a full life, and be a productive and fulfilled member of society.” He added: “We know NHS resources are scarce, especially at the moment, but these are conditions that affect a significant number of our working-age adult population; people who could be making a huge contribution to society and the economy – they are a massive resource the country risks inadvertently ignoring, quite aside from the personal impact.” “The NHS is not at fault, it does an amazing job with the resources it has. The private sector helps support stretched NHS provision in many areas and this is one which can be especially productive,” he added. Dr Woolley said that the best independent sector providers aim to collaborate with and assist NHS services and GPs wherever possible. Not just making a diagnosis and discharging, but offering detailed assessments followed by robust treatment pathways – holistically, including non-medication approaches. Many people are choosing now to go private to access proper assessment sooner, especially with the noise on social media making it difficult to be clear about whether there is a diagnosable issue. Schoen Clinic Chelsea offers assessments at just a few days’ notice. Schoen Clinic’s Consultant Psychiatrists, with extensive experience in ADHD, conduct all of our adult ADHD assessments, guaranteeing a robust diagnosis from a qualified specialist. Should medication be necessary for the best outcome, our doctors can prescribe appropriate ADHD medications safely. A diagnosis can be a significant benefit in both understanding problems and pursuing one of the many effective treatments available. Schoen Clinic is also especially familiar with how symptoms can go hidden and unrecognised for longer in women. For more information about the work of Schoen Clinic Chelsea, please call 020 3146 2300 or visit its website at https://www.schoen-clinic.co.uk/chelsea
Consultation on transformational welfare reforms begins
Welfare reforms must be shaped by and for disabled people, the Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms says, as the official consultation on the Government’s proposals begins. It comes as the Government commits to the establishment of ‘collaboration committees’ to further develop the reforms, bringing together groups of people for specific work areas to provide discussion, challenge, and make recommendations. Announced on Tuesday 18 March, the proposed welfare reforms will ensure that sick and disabled people have the same opportunities to work as anyone else, and will unlock work, boost living standards, and help grow the economy as part of the Government’s Plan for Change. They will also seek to overhaul the broken benefits system so it supports those who need it, while helping those who can work into jobs and delivering fairness to the taxpayer. The Minister for Social Security and Disability is urging those likely to be affected by the changes – either individually or through disability charities and organisations – to have their say through the consultation, ensuring their views help shape the proposed changes. Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms said: “We inherited a broken welfare system, which incentivises ill-health, locks people out of work and isn’t fit for a future in which so many of us will face long-term health conditions. “We want a system that genuinely works for disabled people and those with health conditions, as well as the country and the economy, and we want to hear their views and voices at the heart of the new system. “I encourage people to engage so they can have their say as we listen, learn and deliver support which will help millions into work, put welfare spending on a more sustainable path, and unlock growth as part of our Plan for Change.” The 12-week consultation on reforms to health and disability support officially launches today with publication of all accessible versions of the Pathways to Work Green Paper. The proposed reforms aim to support people into work, protect people who can never work and put the welfare system on a sustainable footing so that it can continue to support those in need now and into the future. One in three of us faces a long-term health condition, so we all need a system that can support us to stay in work or get back into work. The measures are the latest step in the Government’s drive to build a modern welfare system that helps people get jobs rather than creating unnecessary barriers, with ministers’ proposed plans set to: Without changes, it is forecast that the system could cost as much as £70billion a year by the end of the decade and risk not being there for people when they need it in future. Issues open for consultation include: These are part of the wider reforms that also include reintroducing reassessments for people on incapacity benefits who have the capability to work to ensure they have the right support and aren’t indefinitely written off, targeting Personal Independence Payments for those with higher needs, and rebalancing payment levels in Universal Credit.
Story of mobility scooter user who championed safer streets must live on
The family of a woman who became a powerful voice for mobility scooter users has spoken out in tribute, following her death just weeks after publicly backing the Safer Mobility Campaign. Dawn, a mum of two from Leicestershire, died in late 2024 from breast cancer. Before her passing, she had bravely spoken out about the daily challenges she faced using her mobility scooter – describing it as her “lifeline” because it allowed her to retain a sense of independence. In her final weeks, Dawn became a passionate advocate for better protection, road safety improvements and the urgent need to challenge the stigma faced by people who rely on mobility scooters to get around. She was due to take part in further media opportunities, working with the Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership and mobility scooter insurance intermediary, Surewise, in support of the Safer Mobility Campaign, but her condition deteriorated before she could continue. Now, her husband Richard and son Leo have stepped forward to complete her story – determined that her voice, and the message she carried, will still be heard. “Dawn wanted to highlight the issues she and others faced just trying to get to the shops or the doctors,” said Richard. “Once she started using a mobility scooter, she saw how much of a challenge it really was – from pavement parking to poorly designed crossings. Things we’d never even noticed before suddenly became real hazards.” One of Dawn’s biggest frustrations was the lack of understanding and respect for mobility scooter users in public spaces. Her family say she was upset by the stigma – especially the assumption that users were lazy or unwilling to walk. “My mum was 49 when she started using her scooter,” said her son Leo. “She had terminal cancer and had to give up driving. It wasn’t a choice – it was the only way she could stay mobile. But she was still met with judgement and dismissiveness. She wanted people to see the person, not just the scooter.” Dawn believed more could be done to raise awareness – from clearer legislation on pavement parking to recognising mobility scooter users as vulnerable road users in the Highway Code. Her family hopes her story will lead to practical changes that make streets safer and more inclusive. “Dawn never gave in to her illness,” said Richard. “She kept thinking of others, even when she had every reason to focus on herself. This campaign gave her purpose. She didn’t want it to stop just because she couldn’t take part anymore.” Surewise, who had been working with Dawn as part of the Safer Mobility Campaign, say they are honoured to continue her work in partnership with her family. “We’re incredibly grateful to Richard and Leo for helping us finish what Dawn started,” said Richard Hannan, Director of Surewise. “Dawn’s strength, compassion and determination to speak up for others was inspirational. Her story will continue to shape this campaign and the push for change.” Dawn’s family are now encouraging others – mobility scooter users and their loved ones – to come forward and share their experiences, to help build momentum behind a campaign Dawn believed in so deeply. “She was still advocating for strangers even in her final weeks,” said Leo. “I hope her legacy is a world where mobility scooter users are respected, not overlooked – and where fewer people have to face the same barriers she did, just to get where they need to go.” If you are a mobility scooter user or a family member of someone who relies on one, your voice matters. By sharing your story, you can help raise awareness, challenge outdated attitudes and push for the changes that Dawn was so determined to see. To get involved please email press@surewise.com Read more from Surewise here: “Surewise Calls For Mobility Scooter Users to be Included In the Highway Code“
TGA to launch new Breeze scooters at Naidex
TGA will be unveiling new additions to its award-wining Breeze mobility scooter range at Naidex 2025 – 19-20th March, NEC, Stand C170. For over 35 years, TGA has specialised in high quality mobility products that not just help people live better, but thrive. It remains a leader in design and service. On its stand at Naidex this reputation will be underlined once more with several new Breeze S and Midi scooters being available to see for the first time. These will include: Fit for the countryside, the Breeze X has been developed thanks to TGA partnering with the National Trust, National Parks and Forestry England. Finished in a stunning Matt Metallic Green, the Breeze X will now make locations owned by these organisations more accessible and enjoyable for all. This latest model builds on the respected Breeze heritage which includes two world record challenges, BBC Top Gear exposure and winning the international Red Dot design award. In addition to these new Breeze models, TGA will be unveiling new seating systems for the WHILL C2 Powerchair which provide greater personal adjustability and support. Recently launched and established products will also be on the TGA stand. This extensive range will include the innovative WHILL R mobility scooter. WHILL R has the same design, performance and technology the WHILL powerchairs are known for, in a smart scooter package available in 3- or 4-wheel versions. It has zero turn technology, active suspension and quickly dismantles for the boot. Perfect for public transport as well, the WHILL R provides an all-round better compact scooter experience. Every TGA scooter, powerchair, wheelchair and wheelchair powerpack will be available for test drives on the Naidex mobility track. Plus, TGA’s new range of rise and recline chairs, walking aids and rollators will be available to see and try.
Surewise Calls For Mobility Scooter Users to be Included In the Highway Code
Surewise are calling for the urgent addition of mobility scooter users to the Highway Code alongside other vulnerable road users, following alarming new data showing that fatalities among mobility scooter users in 2023 nearly doubled compared to the previous year. Department for Transport (DfT) road casualty data has revealed that 16 mobility scooter users were killed in collisions on the UK’s roads in 2023, up from nine fatalities in 2022. In January 2022, the Highway Code was updated to introduce a “Hierarchy of Road Users,” which assigns greater responsibility to those who can cause the most harm, such as heavy goods vehicles, while prioritising the safety of pedestrians. Despite their vulnerability, mobility scooter users remain absent from the hierarchy, leaving a critical gap in protection for these users. The Safer Mobility Campaign In response to the rising number of fatalities, mobility scooter insurance intermediary, Surewise, launched its ‘Safer Mobility’ campaign in 2024 to raise awareness about mobility scooter user safety. The campaign has since been supported by numerous UK police forces, local authorities and Nottingham Trent University. Richard Hannan, Director of Surewise, which has insured more than 130,000 mobility scooters, said: “Mobility scooter users are among the most vulnerable people on our roads, yet their unique needs are often overlooked. The fact that their exclusion from the Highway Code persists while fatalities rise is simply unacceptable. Their safety and prioritisation must be reflected in road safety policies.” Campaigners are also frustrated by the outdated terminology used in legislation to describe mobility scooters. The law continues to refer to them as “invalid carriages,” a term widely regarded as inaccurate and out-of-date. Mr Hannan continued: “This archaic term not only fails to reflect the reality of modern mobility aids but also perpetuates confusion and misunderstanding about their proper use and rights on pavements and roads. Such language undermines efforts to raise awareness and improve safety for mobility scooter users.” DfT road casualty data revealed that reported mobility scooter user injuries decreased from 270 in 2022 to 247 in 2023, but this reduction should not be interpreted as a positive trend. The decline may be due to underreporting or inconsistencies in how incidents are recorded, rather than reflecting an actual decrease in harm. Mobility scooter users – primarily elderly and disabled individuals – are among the most vulnerable road users. Many may be reluctant to report incidents, making it difficult to gain a full and accurate picture of the risks they face. Mr Hannan added: “Even minor collisions can have a profound psychological impact on mobility scooter users. For some, these experiences deter them from ever venturing out again, cutting off access to their scooter, which serves as a vital lifeline for independence and social connection. This highlights the urgent need for greater protections and awareness to ensure their safety and confidence on our roads.” Further research by Surewise highlighted the following: The Role of Research and Expert Opinion Professor Duncan Guest, a Cognitive Psychology expert at Nottingham Trent University, led a two-year study into how mobility scooter users perceive road hazards. Prof Guest said: “The significant rise in fatalities and serious injuries involving mobility scooter users underscores the urgent need for their inclusion in the Highway Code. These users face unique challenges navigating pavements and roads, often contending with inadequate infrastructure, poor driver awareness and a lack of clear guidance. By including mobility scooter users in the ‘Hierarchy of Road Users,’ we can ensure their vulnerabilities are recognised and that road safety measures are designed to protect them. Addressing this policy gap is essential to prevent further tragedies and support safer mobility for all.” Contributory Factors to Mobility Scooter Casualties Further research by Surewise reveals that in 2023, 23% of mobility scooter-related road deaths and injuries were caused by the driver or rider failing to look properly. Other key contributory factors included careless or hurried behaviour (9%), failure to judge another road user’s speed (8%), loss of control (7%) and poor manoeuvres (6%).
National Autistic Society school uses AI software to enhance students’ learning
Autistic students at Sybil Elgar School are paving the way for more accessible computing with AI software. Autistic students at the National Autistic Society’s Sybil Elgar School are among the first in the country to use innovative, bespoke touchless-computing with AI software (artificial intelligence), to aid development and enrich their education experience. The school has partnered with world-renowned University College London (UCL) Computer Science and MotionInput Games to demonstrate that touchless-computing, with just a laptop, webcam and physical gestures, can enhance learning and make computing more accessible for autistic people. Sybil Elgar School, an ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rated specialist school in West London, has been supporting autistic children and young people for almost 60 years. Teaching and onsite therapy teams work together to provide a personalised approach to education for autistic children and young people from the ages of four-and-a-half to 22-years-old. The school focuses on creative development and independent life skills to educate every child and help them grow in confidence and independence. This ground-breaking technology allows autistic students and those with higher mobility needs to learn and develop through play, without having to use expensive specialist equipment. Marius Byleveld, Accessibility and Innovation Coordinator at the National Autistic Society’s Sybil Elgar School, said: “It’s an exciting time for our students at Sybil Elgar School. They are using cutting-edge technology which is enhancing their education and personal development. “We want this project to push boundaries in inclusive approaches for autistic people so they can gain greater access to latest technology. “We’d like to thank UCL Computer Science students and MotionInput Games for their creativity and ongoing support. The transformative tools they are creating are not only benefiting our autistic young people but will help create a society that works for all autistic people.” UCL Computer Science is home to some of the world’s most influential and creative researchers in the field of computer science. A team of Master’s students has steered the development of the touchless computing game ‘Superhero Sportsday’, which is currently being tested by autistic pupils at Sybil Elgar School. The technology is possible because of AI software, computer vision and machine learning. The software recognises a user’s body parts and how their gestures or expressions relate to actions during gameplay. Professor Dean Mohamedally of UCL Computer Science and CEO of MotionInput Games, said: “It was incredibly heart-warming to see the pupils having so much fun with our games. They proved so intuitive for them to play. Congratulations to the MSc UCL Computer Science students who built Superhero Sportsday, with the MotionInput Games team, in just three months!” Superhero Sportsday is set on the island of Mauritius. Children can interact with the game through movement, whilst completing various sporting stages. You can see a video of the gameplay on YouTube. Tess Steventon, Occupational Therapist at the National Autistic Society’s Sybil Elgar School, said: “Our Occupational Therapy team is working directly with UCL to tailor games to our students’ unique needs. Superhero Sportsday has proved hugely popular with our autistic young people. “The games encourage pupils to develop their motor skills whilst having fun and experiencing a sense of achievement. A mix of relaxing and active games help with self-regulation and our students also enjoy watching and encouraging their friends play while they wait their turn.” Sybil Elgar School’s innovative technology partnerships were set up following a charitable donation from the Worshipful Company of Glovers of London, a trade association formed in London in 1349. The support laid the foundation for exploring the use of innovative technology in school. In addition to touchless-computing, students have been practicing life-enhancing skills with immersive VR headsets which provide six degrees of freedom (6DoF) movement; and using motion tracking Senso gloves with haptic feedback to help develop gross motor, sequencing, and academic skills. Jack, a student at the National Autistic Society’s Sybil Elgar School, said: “Using MotionInput games and VR is really fun, interesting and clever because it gives me a chance to talk and get work experience. I am also able to exercise and stretch. My favourite games to play are kayaking and wind surfing. I also think VR has great potential for autistic people like me.” More exciting projects and collaborations are in the pipeline for 2025. Sybil Elgar School, along with another National Autistic Society school, Helen Allison School, is currently co-supervising nine new projects with UCL and MotionInput Games, including: • A winter version of ‘Superhero Sportsday’• An augmented reality (AR) reading application• A Makaton learning game Subscribe to Ucan2 Magazine today and keep up-to-date with all the latest on accessible and independent living.
Career opportunities in 3D graphics and gaming for disabled developers
New inclusive technology developed by BCU to transform career opportunities in 3D graphics and gaming for disabled developers Disabled developers will be able to use voice control and other innovations to take full advantage of employment opportunities in the 3D graphics and gaming industry thanks to technology developed by Birmingham City University (BCU). With the assistance of an Epic MegaGrant from Epic Games, the University has created software that aims to help people with physical impairments launch and progress careers in the sector. The project is led by Dr Chris Creed, Professor of Human-Computer Interaction, and Dr Carlo Harvey, Professor in the College of Computing at BCU. Professor Creed said: “Disabled users are often excluded from careers within 3D design and development because they can experience significant challenges in using traditional devices such as a mouse, keyboard, stylus, or touch. “Unfortunately, software developers often aren’t aware of these challenges or may not see accessibility as a priority due to competing demands. “So rather than considering all audience needs from the start, there can be a tendency to bolt accessibility features on afterwards. Not only can this give disabled users a bad experience, it’s also morally wrong.” The software will be made freely available to all Unreal Engine users in the first half of 2025. According to disability charity Scope, there are 16 million disabled people in the UK, 23% of whom are working age. The disability employment gap is a staggering 29% – with just 53% of disabled people in employment compared with 82% non-disabled people. “Accessibility challenges within software and across the web has created a digital divide,” added Professor Creed, who leads BCU’s Human-Computer Interaction research group. “With the support from the Epic MegaGrant, we’re beginning to bridge this divide by creating inclusive technology that will provide opportunities to address the disability employment gap moving forward. “If we don’t act now, the people who could benefit most from technology will continue to be excluded and have their opportunities limited, both in their careers and personal lives.” Dr Creed and Dr Harvey led development of the accessible extension, which uses a combination of voice control and mechanical switches to operate the software. The software, which is currently in the testing and user evaluation phase, will be released as an open-source extension, which means developers can build on the software to continue to increase accessibility for Unreal Engine users with physical impairments. The research demonstrates how BCU is creating knowledge that positively impacts people, communities, and industries – a key pillar of the University’s new 2030 strategy. “People with physical impairments will soon be able to participate in the 3D graphics and games community, opening up new creative and employment opportunities,” said Professor Harvey. “When you have fresh perspectives, you have fresh ideas and designs that can be revolutionary. I’m excited to see the positive impact this will have for the future of the industry, too. “It’s also great news for experienced professional designers and developers who may have acquired physical impairments later in life, to keep them creating and innovating.” The project recently received industry recognition at the prestigious TIGA Games Education Awards, where it received an award for ‘Excellence in Games Research’.
‘Game-changing’ Deafblind UK research centre to launch at BCU
A new Deafblind UK Centre for Education and Research based at Birmingham City University (BCU) has been hailed as “life-changing” and a “game changer” in the fight to address the “frustrating and overwhelming isolation” felt by many deafblind people. The centre, which is the first of its kind, will connect researchers, practitioners, and people living with deafblindness to increase knowledge and raise awareness. It will also equip junior researchers and the workforce with the knowledge and skills to become future leaders in deafblindness research and practice. British Labour Party politician Lord Blunkett, who is himself blind, said: “A great deal is known about sensory challenges for blind people and those with profound deafness, but much less about the dual challenges that deafblind people encounter on a daily basis. “This Centre will make an important contribution – both to greater understanding and public awareness to the ways in which social and technological innovation can assist in the future.” Deafblind UK CEO Nikki Morris added: “There’s an urgent need to better understand the impact of deafblindness on people and their loved ones. This new Centre will help to fill that gap.” David Childs, Associate Professor, Head of College of Education and Social Work at BCU, said: “This Centre will be a game changer in how we understand more about deafblindness and what we can do to make the lives of all those affected better. “The research undertaken in this area is shockingly low. The new Centre won’t just meet the knowledge gap, it will be an important beacon of hope to those affected by dual sensory loss.” Deafblindness affects everyone in different ways. Some people might have mild sight and hearing loss whereas others can’t see or hear anything. It can be isolating and lonely and can lead to mental health issues – but it’s far more common than many people realise. Around 450,000 people are affected by sight and hearing loss in the UK. “The spectrum of deafblindness is unique,” said Deafblind UK member Ricky Blair. “Certain situations are isolating and overwhelming, like knowing when it’s your place to speak. “Frustratingly, there are often adjustments in place for those who are deaf or blind. People often forget that many people have to grapple with both disabilities simultaneously.” Deafblind UK partnered with BCU in 2019. The University went on to launch the Certificate and Diploma in Professional Studies (Deafblind Studies) in collaboration with Deafblind UK and a consortium of charities in 2021, welcoming its first cohort of students in March 2022. The only one its kind in the UK, the course is run by BCU’s Dr Peter Simcock, who is internationally renowned for his work and will lead the new Centre. “Helen Keller, author, disability rights advocate, political activist and perhaps one of the world’s most well-known deafblind people, described life as either a daring adventure or nothing at all,” said Dr Simcock, an Associate Professor of Social Work and a Deafblind UK ambassador. “Our Deafblind UK Centre will play a vital role in responding to the urgent need for more research, supporting deafblind people to enjoy this daring adventure to the full.”
Pembrokeshire Providing Access For All Visitors in 2025
Pembrokeshire is an inspiring place and to ensure everyone has access to its natural coastal beauty and experiences, Visit Pembrokeshire is stepping up its commitment to inclusivity with the launch of a dedicated portal on its website https://www.visitpembrokeshire.com/open-to-all Part of a destination initiative called Open to All, the portal will feature a directory of businesses and organisations across Pembrokeshire offering services for those who face barriers to travel and tourism. It will include, for example, information about Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority’s all-terrain equipment and easy-to-hire mobility trikes and beach wheelchairs. Plus, details of accommodation providers offering wheelchair equipped rooms, the location of adaptive toilet facilities, information about those businesses with hearing loop facilities or sign language trained staff. In short, it will reference those Pembrokeshire businesses and organisations – from coastal foragers to yoga providers – featuring inclusive elements within their offering. Providing positive examples in action, the case study section will highlight specific operators such as North Pembrokeshire based Havard Riding Stables, whooffer lessons for all abilities. Also Windswept, the Dale-based paddleboarding-for-all company who provide individual as well as family and group sessions with adaptive kit and hoist facilities too. Plus, Blue Horizons, a surf school with an operation at Broadhaven Beach, is one of the only surf instruction schools to offer itself exclusively to those with disabilities and their families. Not just limited to disability specialists, other case studies will include businesses who, just by implementing small measures, have made a difference to visitors with extra needs. Celtic Deep, for example, a marine conservation and wildlife adventure company, tailors its experiences by offering small group sessions and minimising walking distances to its activities. While bushcraft expert Buzzard Chris Bushcraft offers a range of courses that can be tailored to meet specific needs. As well as being useful for visitors, it is hoped this case study section will inspire other Pembrokeshire operators to follow suit. To this end, providing practical help to do so, there will be a Resource Hub, featuring free education and support tools. This section will include suggestions on how small tweaks to a business’s website, such as enlarging the font and tailoring its messages on its social media, can make a difference to a visitor’s experience. Links to free training opportunities offering a diverse range of sessions from British Sign Language to cultural awareness and how to help those with partial autism is also included. These will be supplemented with information about forums and in-person meet ups such as beach days, designed to encourage businesses to network and share ideas about best practice. While a positive step, Visit Pembrokeshire understands that the launch of the website is very much part of an ongoing cultural change. Says Emma Thornton, Chief Executive of Visit Pembrokeshire “The initial work conducted by the Open to All team alerted us to reports that a lack of accessibility provision was in fact discouraging potential visitors. “To turn this around, we initially began to highlight those organisations where accessible provision was already central to their offer, then used them as inspiration to other businesses to instil changes. “We’re now working with businesses across Pembrokeshire, helping them, where they can, to make changes and to tailor their own accessible offer; and we’re already seeing positive results. Some businesses for example have created new and bespoke access guides with accompanying videos. Others have added detailed information to their website about their inclusive offer for potential visitors to view. These positive tweaks demonstrate to potential guests that their needs are being taken into consideration. It says, ‘we’re listening,’ empowering them to feel confident in booking and visiting us.” She continues “Alongside this social inclusivity perspective, financially it makes sense too. Recent figures from the charity Scope suggest that the Purple Pound is worth over £249 billion annually, so ignoring this is not only doing a disservice to disabled visitors, but commercially to us as a destination too”. Open to All Project Manager, Abi Marriott, adds, “2024 was a busy and successful year gearing up to launch the new Open To All Resource Hub. Somewhat of a project legacy, this new website brings together the multiple strands of our work, offering access to business case study examples, training materials, toolkit and templates, plus a place where people can connect for ongoing specialist advice. It will also feature an inclusive media library for businesses to enrich their own marketing materials. We hope it will be an extremely useful resource for both visitors and businesses alike, adapting and expanding as we continue on our path to creating a more inclusive destination that is truly ‘Open to All’”.