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The Story Behind BeachAbility

The idea for BeachAbility came from our Founder, Sharon Gray, who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in January 2012 and soon after became a wheelchair user.

Sharon Gray - BeachAbility Founder

"One of my greatest pleasures was walking my dog on the beach but I couldn't get onto the beach with my normal wheel chair. One day when sitting on the slip at St Ouens, I bumped into my ex-physiotherapist Suzie MacLagan [now the Secretary for BeachAbility], who told me that it had always been a dream of hers to be able to offer access for disabled people onto the beach and so the idea developed."

The funds for the first chair were raised by Sharon’s friends, family and the Ladies of Les Mielles Golf Club, who held a charity event for Sharon, back in July 2012, raising a substantial amount of money. Shortly after, Sharon was able to purchase its first wheelchair costing £3,000 which she later donated to BeachAbility.

The legacy of Sharon’s generosity of spirit means BeachAbility can offer access to many of our islands Beautiful beaches.

FAQ’s

If you can’t find an answer to your question here be sure to contact us, if you would like to book a chair please check availability using the form below.

Click on a question below to reveal the answer.

  • Who can use a BeachAbility chair?

    BeachAbility is for any person who finds that, for whatever reason, they have difficulty to walk on the beach.

    People who have used our beach wheelchairs include:

    • People with long term disability from conditions such as stroke; multiple sclerosis; Parkinson’s; head injury; motor neurone disease; spinal injury and cerebral palsy.
    • People with temporary mobility impairment such as those with a leg in plaster.
    • People who are weakened by medical conditions such as breathing difficulties or cancers.
    • The elderly, who are not disabled but may be frail and find the beach a challenging environment to walk on.
    • Those who would like to  attend weddings, birthday parties and family gatherings.
  • Covid – 19
    Having followed the ongoing Government guidance we see that as an Island we are moving in the direction of more freedom of choice and activity, as a result we are pleased to let you know that we are reopening our service in a limited capacity.
    Our decision making around what we are currently able to offer is based on factors such as the availability and health status of our own Supporters, our ability to have updated essential training to provide a safe service, and the ongoing requirement for social distance and hygiene measures.
    We are unable at the present time to offer an employee or Supporter service. This means we cannot offer services to those who need our hoist.
    We are able to train new users as regular users.
    Locations which are open for our regular beach wheelchair users are:
    Le Braye in St Ouen.
    Churchill Car Park in St Brelade.
    Bel Royal at St Aubin.
    Longbeach, Gorey.
    Bookings will be strictly by telephone at which time we shall provide you with the current access code for the padlocks.
    In between each chair use, we will thoroughly clean the equipment to keep the risk of cross infection to an acceptable level.
    If you have any individual questions, Jane will be at the end of the phone or you may email us but please remember bookings will only be by telephone.
    The scope of operations will be reviewed again at the end of August, in the meantime we very much hope that you will be able to enjoy some outdoor freedom on the beach.
    Best wishes from the committee at BeachAbility.

     

  • When are the chairs available and how far in advance do I need to reserve one?

    We are open all year.

    We try to respond as quickly as possible to requests for a chair booking we are but are not “on -site”. In the summer months it may take up to an hour to get our summer employee out to a booking. In non summer months more notice is required as we don’t have an employee. If possible book a day in advance.

     

  • Can I use the chair on a regular basis?

    If you wish to use the chairs on a regular basis we can offer some basic training on the safety features of the chairs and our cleaning requirements to leave chairs in a good state for the next user. You may then access the chairs at their storage facility without the need of support from BeachAbility. This will allow more spontaneous  outings; all we ask is that you call us before taking out a chair to make sure it is is not double booked. If this is of interest to you please ask about “Regular User” training at time of booking.

  • IS THERE A HOIST AVAILABLE?

    BeachAbility is pleased to announce that it will be able to support wheelchair users who require a hoist for transferring on to our beach wheelchairs.

    The portable hoist can be used at all of our locations. Occasionally we have to use the hoist at a short distance from the facility where we know the terrain will be safer for the hoist operation.

    BeachAbility wheelchair users will need to provide their own sling which needs to be of the “Tab” variety to affix to the hoist.

    Bookings can be made in the same way and a BeachAbility Supporter will meet you to familiarise you with the hoist. Conditions of use are that Beach wheelchair users must be accompanied by someone who is trained in the use of hoists and who know their client’s needs.

  • What else do I need to consider or bring?

    It can get breezy on the beach and even on a sunny day can be cool. BeachAbility provides blankets for your use, but you should also wear sufficient warm clothing.

  • What size are the chairs?

    The dimensions of the chair must be suitable to accommodate your size.

    Adult chair: Seat width and depth are 45cms (18 inches).

    Child/small adult chair: Seat width and depth are 36cms (14 inches).

    The maximum weight the adult chair can hold is 25 stone or 158kg.

  • How long can I use the chair for?

    You can use one of our chairs for up to 3 hours. Arrangements can be made if you would like to have the chair longer or have regular access to a beach chair.

  • What if the weather turns bad?

    BeachAbility fully understands that weather conditions can change. if you need to cancel your booking please let us know as soon as possible on 07797 935 088.

  • Can the chairs go in the water?

    Chairs are suitable for paddling but not for swimming.

  • Will help be available?

    BeachAbility has a friendly team of Supporters one of whom will meet you at the beach location. They will give you a demonstration of the wheelchair and see you safely on your way. The whole process takes no longer than 15 minutes.

    Please note BeachAbility Supporters are unable to help you get into the beach wheelchairs. You will need to be accompanied by an adult helper to assist with transfers and to push the wheelchair.

    Your Helper needs to be fit enough to push the wheelchair across the sand and up and down the slipways.

  • How can I become a supporter?

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    If you would like to become a supporter then we would love to hear from you. Email us at beachability@hotmail.co.uk

  • Where can I find more useful information?
  • Terms & Conditions of Use

    The User must:

    • Be able to perform a safe standing or a sideways transfer on to the beach chair without assistance from the BeachAbility supporters.
    • Have sufficient balance to sit upright in the beach chair without additional support.

     

    The Hoist User must:

    • Additionally bring a helper trained in manual handling who will operate the hoist and take responsibility for the transfer.
    • Provide their own transfer sling.

     

    (A manual handling trained BeachAbility supporter can assist with the hoist transfer)

     

    The User will provide:

    • Personal details of name, address, telephone number and proof of identification when requested.
    • A helper who is fit enough to push the chair and control the chair on the slipways and soft sand.

     

    The User accepts responsibility:

    • To use the chair only on the beach and not enter sea with the chair or travel on the road.
    • To ensure that the wheelchair is suitable for their needs.
    • To use the wheelchair completely at their own risk.
    • To take full responsibility for the wheelchair and return it in good condition.
    • To be liable for any damages sustained to the chair or third parties whilst on loan.
    • To report any defects or concerns to BeachAbility.
    • To leave personal belongings in BeachAbility sheds at their own risk

     

    Privacy Notice

    BeachAbility will collect personal information from you when you enquire to use our services.

    This may include your name, telephone number, physical address and email address.

    We will also ask you for information on your physical ability so that you may safely use our equipment.

    Your personal information will only be used to process your request and to provide you with our service.

    Communications in connection with BeachAbility may be via email and text and will not be sent in an encrypted form. These are not fully secure means of communication. Whilst we endeavour to keep our systems and communications protected against viruses and other harmful effects, we cannot bear responsibility for all communication being virus-free.

    BeachAbility will take reasonable precautions to prevent the loss, misuse or alteration of information you give us.

    The personal information collected from you will be deleted immediately after you have used our service.

    If you elect to use our services on a regular basis we shall store your information for one year and will contact you annually thereafter to update and correct any information on our records. If you would like your information deleted from our records please email us at beachability@hotmail.co.uk

    Links within our site to other websites are not covered by this privacy policy.

     

Testimonials

  • My late wife Sally was living with MND when we twice borrowed a chair in August 2013. We also met up with Sharon at Jersey Pearl and shared our experiences. Sharon was such a lovely woman. MND is an unbearable disease, but your chair helped us to enjoy our time together in Jersey. I am eternally grateful for those two afternoons.

    BeachAbility User

  • Three of our members used the chair. One got to the water’s edge, got out and paddled in the water for the first time since her stroke. We will go down again and thanks for all your help. Barry and Shaza would be so proud to see our members and friends using the buggies. A wonderful charity – keep up the good work.

    Headway Jersey

  • Up until now our wheelchair using pupils have had to stay on the promenade when we have a beach activity, now they can join in fully.

    Bel Royal School

  • Just wanted to say thank you as your charity has made it possible for my nan to join the family on the beach for the first time in over seven years. Your supporters are so friendly and helpful and we will certainly be using this service again. Thank you so much x

    BeachAbility User

  • We had a fabulous time. Arrangements when booking were very clear and helpful. Assistance on the day was great. Overall a great service – should be advertised more.

    BeachAbility User

  • M was so happy to be able to join her friend for the birthday party and it meant we could all go together as a family. Thank you so much.

    BeachAbility User

  • This has been a major achievement to be able to get on the beach and swimming in the sea and it has truly made my holiday worthwhile.

    BeachAbility User

  • The time on the beach made my day, in fact it made my holiday.

    BeachAbility User

  • Brilliant! First day on the beach for years, she loved it. Thank you very much.

    BeachAbility User

  • Fantastic opportunity to explore the beach. Something J and I haven’t been able to do for years. Really appreciated.

    BeachAbility User

  • Using the beach wheelchair was the first time our 19 year old has been able to walk her dog on the beach.

    BeachAbility User

Newsletter

Below is a collection of our past newsletters, if you would like to receive future newsletters via email you can sign up below.



    Archive

    Thanks To Our Donors

    BeachAbility is extremely grateful for all donations received, large or small. Without such donations we would not be able to provide our service or fulfil peoples dreams of being able to access Jersey’s beautiful beaches.

    Locations

    BeachAbility is a charity providing specially designed manual, ballooned wheel chairs for use on the beach and other rough terrain.

    Chairs are located at seven key sites:

    BeachAbility Chair Locations Map
    • St Ouen’s Bay, Le Braye

      St Ouen’s Bay, Le Braye

      Located in the west of the Island, St Ouen’s Bay offers miles of beautiful sandy beach for five miles (8 kms) from end to end. This is a paradise for surfers and boogie boarders alike but the beach is also popular with sunbathers, swimmers and foodies eating at the many cafes and restaurants on offer in the bay. Locals flock to St Ouen’s with their BBQs and picnics to watch the stunning sunsets but the bay never feels busy due to it’s expanse and on a low tide you could walk across the beach and never bump into anyone. A real gem.

      Chairs:

      Adult and Child/Small Adult

      Beach Wheelchair Location:

      The storage unit is located in the parking area just before Le Braye Café on the right hand side.

      Facilities:

      Disabled Parking, Disabled/Public Toilets, Restaurant/Takeaway

      Map:

    • St Brelade’s Bay

      St Brelade’s Bay

      St Brelade’s Bay is probably the most popular beach on the Island. It is south facing which means it enjoys a long day when the sun shines, although the western end becomes shaded in late afternoon. The bay is very sheltered from everything but onshore breezes. There is soft, golden sand along the entire length of the beach and in the summer months is packed with sunbeds, parasols and towels. The beach is very popular with families playing and many taking part in the sea sports on offer. Kayaks, paddle-boards and banana boat rides can be found here too.

      Chairs:

      Adult and Child/Small Adult

      Beach Wheelchair Location:

      In the Churchill Memorial car park (entrance turning on right after Pizza Express if coming from town). Once in the car park go to the far end and the storage unit is located near the public toilets and the pedestrian crossing.

      Facilities:

      Bus stop, Disabled Parking, Disabled/Public Toilets, Restaurants, Hotels, Sea Sports

      Map:

    • St Aubin’s, Gunsite Slip

      St Aubin’s, Gunsite Slip

      Only the highest of tides (usually a Spring tide) covers all of the sand and at low tide the sea retreats approximately 300 metres to open up an enormous expanse of beach. South facing, the beach is in full sun along virtually its entire length from sunrise to sunset.

      The bay is very sheltered from prevailing westerlies and easterlies. It has soft, golden sand along virtually the entire length of the beach. The last few hundred metres from La Haule to St Aubin’s Harbour are permanently wet but the remainder of the beach dries out rapidly.

      Chairs:

      Adult

      Beach Wheelchair Location:

      Opposite the Gunsite Café, cross over the pathway and cycle path and head towards the tower in front of you, there is a gate and the BeachAbility storage unit is situated on the right hand side. This shed holds the adult chair.

      Located close to the bunker at Bel Royal there is a shed that contains the child/small adult chair.

      Facilities:

      Disabled Parking, Disabled/Public Toilets, Cafés

      Map:

    • West Park, La Fregate Cafe

      West Park, La Fregate Cafe

      The Victoria pool, a tidal marine pool set in St Aubin’s bay is located at West Park. The pool has recently been refurbished so that disabled users can access the marine pool for activities such as kayaking and sailing. The Victoria Pool passed the European Imperative Standard for bathing water quality in 2011.

      Chairs:

      Adult

      Beach Wheelchair Location:

      On the upper wall adjacent to La Fregate café.

      Facilities:

      Disabled Parking, Disabled/Public Toilets, Cafés, Ice Cream Van

      Map:

    • La Mare, St Clement

      La Mare, St Clement

      La Mar beach is a long south facing beach, close to town and popular with dog walkers.

      Chairs:

      Adult

      Beach Wheelchair Location:

      The storage unit is located at the top of the slip, next to the bus stop. Parking is available in the car park further up the road.

      Facilities:

      Bus stop, Disabled/Public Toilets

      Map:

    • Long Beach, Gorey

      Long Beach, Gorey

      The village of Gorey is situated on the east coast of the island, the nearest headland to France. Long Beach offers spectacular views of Mont Orgueil castle, which stands above the small village. At one time the castle was the first defence against the French, but now the harbour is the starting point for more peaceful summertime invasions. The beach itself is quieter to those on the west of the Island but is worth a visit.

      Chairs:

      Adult

      Beach Wheelchair Location:

      In Long Beach car park. As you come into the village from town you will pass an ice cream van on the right hand side. Take the next turning on the right and when in the car park turn left and head to the end of the car park. There are disabled parking spots located outside the BeachAbility storage unit.

      Facilities:

      Disabled Parking, Disabled/Public Toilets, Cafés, Ice Cream Van

      Map:

    • St. Aubin’s, Bel Royal Slip

      St. Aubin’s, Bel Royal Slip

      Only the highest of tides (usually a Spring tide) covers all of the sand and at low tide the sea retreats approximately 300 metres to open up an enormous expanse of beach. South facing, the beach is in full sun along virtually its entire length from sunrise to sunset.

      The bay is very sheltered from prevailing westerlies and easterlies. It has soft, golden sand along virtually the entire length of the beach.

       

      Chairs:

      Child/Small Adult

      Beach Wheelchair Location:

      The shed is located close to the bunker just off the cycle path. There is disabled parking right opposite the shed.

      Facilities:

      Bus stop, Disabled Parking, Cafés, Restaurant/Takeaway

      Map:

    Check Availability

    Call us on 07797 935 088 to check chair availability, the lines are open 9-4pm, Monday to Friday, if you cannot get in touch during this time please leave a message and we will call you back.

    BeachAbility has a friendly team of Supporters, one of whom will meet you at the beach location. They will give you a demonstration of the wheelchair and see you safely on your way. The whole process takes no longer than 15 minutes.

    Be sure to check the tides and our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ before checking the availability of a chair.

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