South Tyneside Council’s Post

With the news of Active Travel England‘s £101 million investment to boost safe and accessible cycling and walking nationwide, we’re considering why good community engagement is vital to get the most out of the investment in active travel schemes. 🚲 Understanding Community Needs: Engaging with the community allows planners and policymakers to gain insights into the specific needs, preferences, and challenges of local residents regarding active travel. This understanding is essential for designing infrastructure and programmes that are both relevant and effective. 🚲 Building Support and Participation: Effective community engagement encourages buy-in and support from residents for active travel initiatives. By involving the community in the decision-making process, individuals are more likely to feel a sense of ownership and pride in projects aimed at promoting walking, cycling, and public transportation. 🚲 Identifying Barriers: Community engagement helps identify barriers to active travel, such as safety concerns, lack of infrastructure, or social conventions. By addressing these barriers through dialogue and collaboration, planners can create environments that are conducive to walking, cycling, and using public transportation. 🚲 Increasing Awareness and Education: Engaging with the community provides opportunities to raise awareness about the benefits of active travel, including health, environmental, and economic advantages. Through education and outreach efforts, residents and stakeholders can learn about alternative modes of transportation and make informed choices that support active lifestyles. 🚲 Promoting Equity and Inclusivity: Community engagement ensures that active travel initiatives are inclusive and equitable, serving the needs of all residents, including those from marginalised, underserved, and seldom heard communities. By actively seeking input from diverse stakeholders, planners can address disparities in access to transportation options and promote social equity. 🚲 Enhancing Sustainability: Active travel contributes to sustainable transportation systems by reducing reliance on single-occupancy vehicles and lowering carbon emissions. By engaging the community in discussions about sustainability, planners can garner support for initiatives that prioritise walking, cycling, and public transportation. Learn more and see how we supported Surrey County Council's engagement on active travel ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/eJve72Pu #ActiveTravel #ActiveTravelEngland #ActiveTravelFund #CommunityEngagement

"Ten of the most accessible cities in Europe, and how to visit them." by Carrie-Ann Lightley for The Telegraph The list: Berlin, Germany Vienna, Austria Barcelona, Spain Warsaw, Poland Rotterdam, Netherlands London, UK Stockholm, Sweden Paris, France Copenhagen, Denmark Lisbon, Portugal Traveling as a disabled person comes with a distinct set of challenges that are often overlooked. Whether it's navigating cobblestone streets or searching for truly accessible accommodations, the term "fully accessible" is frequently misleading and inadequate. This article provides a starting point to explore accessibility across Europe, while keeping in mind that each person’s needs are unique. #WeAreBillionStrong #AXSChat #SDGs #Europe #Accessibility #a11y #Equity #BillionStrong Link: https://lnkd.in/e4r6KN_8

Ten of the Most Accessible Cities in Europe, and How to Visit Them It is important to recognize the importance of catering to the diverse needs of all travelers, including those with disabilities. A recent article highlights 10 of the most accessible cities in Europe, showcasing how cities are evolving to provide better experiences for everyone. Here are some key insights: Berlin, Germany: The “Berlin Without Barriers” initiative offers extensive support for disabled travelers, including accessible public transport and attractions. Barcelona, Spain: With adapted beaches and sensory-friendly museum spaces, Barcelona is setting a high standard for accessibility. Warsaw, Poland: Recent renovations have made this historic city increasingly accessible, with support for sensory needs and wheelchair access. These advancements not only enhance the travel experience but also open up new markets for businesses. As more cities recognize the value of inclusivity, there’s a growing opportunity to cater to an underserved demographic. Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/ed4WK5Rh #InclusiveTravel  #A11y

#RewindWednesday - Are you thinking about moving abroad? 🏠 Explore a unique housing arrangement that fosters a sense of community and shared living spaces with others with similar interests and lifestyles. You might consider #coliving as a choice when moving abroad. 🏠 Learn more about this living option for #aspiringexpat, #digitalnomad, or prospective #retirees 👉 https://www.rfr.bz/ld8b739 🏠 Is 2025 the year for your international move? Then your planning is essential; schedule a strategy session to explore your options >> https://www.rfr.bz/l1948d3 🏠 #colivingabroad #sharedliving #sharedlivingabroad #communalliving #communallivingabroad #retirees #retirementcoliving #digitalnomad #digitalnomadhousing #housingoptionsabroad #affordablehousingabroad #expatlife #remoteemployeehousingabroad #remoteworkhousing #thecareerexpat #goglobal #roseappleglobal

Fáilte Ireland is committed to ensuring their tourist destinations, products and services are accessible to all people, regardless of age, size, ability, or disability. They are funding the development of public facilities at 19 coastal and inland waterside locations and at 5 mountain biking centres, with the aim of supporting and encouraging participation in water sports and mountain biking. A key priority of these projects is to ensure these facilities are following best practice in Universal Design with the aim of creating fully accessible and inclusive visitor experiences.   We have been engaged to facilitate a consultation process to understand the experiences, challenges, and needs of people with disabilities and older people. As part of this consultation, we are conducting a national survey. There is both a standard survey and an ‘Easy-to-Read survey’. The survey deadline is extended until Sunday, 11th August at 11:45 p.m.   Your input is invaluable in helping us create fully accessible and inclusive visitor experiences. Please take a few minutes to share your insights by participating in our survey. Survey link: https://lnkd.in/gqJduVKt Easy-to-read survey link: https://lnkd.in/gHVDEki5 Let’s work together to make these facilities truly welcoming for everyone! #OHAC #OHerlihyAccessConsultancy #NationalSurvey #AccessibilityMatters #MakingEverydayLifeAccessible #FailteIreland #TourismIreland #PublicFacilities

Today is World Tourism Day, and we want to reflect on how lucky we are to call a place like Squamish home. The stunning beauty of nature that surrounds us attracts more and more people every year, making Squamish a highly sought out destination. But as our town grows, so do the challenges of finding secure, affordable housing. 🏞️🏡 That’s where co-living comes in. By sharing spaces and resources, we can offer affordable, sustainable housing solutions to help more people live and thrive in this beautiful place we all love. 🌿 Co-living not only eases housing pressures but builds a sense of community. https://lnkd.in/dRuD94A3 . . . . #WorldTourismDay #SquamishLiving #AffordableHousing #CoLivingSquamish #CommunityFirst #ResponsibleLiving #Coliving #HousingCrisis #BCRealEstate

This is a great blog that lays out what to keep in mind when considering a Theme Park with inclusivity in mind and a few parks do it well!

Manchester is a great example of thriving city that behind the scenes has its challenges. 1 in 74 people here are homeless. When you eat out in the Northern Quarter or walk through Heaton Park, this might go largely unnoticed. Sustainability in tourism for us is about showing off the incredible side of our cities. telling extraordinary stories and supporting our guides to talk about what makes them happy - music, history, social culture, and more, but also to raise awareness and break down stigmas around homelessness. How is that part of sustainable tourism? In so many ways - 💚 It spreads positive word of mouth about more challenging conversations. 💚 It encourages other people to choose things to do that create education and discussion.  💚 It creates jobs to reach people that traditional jobs in tourism may not.  💚 It changes perceptions - of people, or a place and a whole lot more too.  💚 And, the tourist footprint left on the city is more positive, regenerative, more impactful and creates more momentum for future change and awareness. Understanding how sustainability is a priority in tourism is a challenge and it takes myriad forms. The important thing is that we start the conversation and champion new ideas, whatever shape they take. If you want our founder Zakia or one of our growing team to talk on sustainability in tourism and doing tourism differently at your next conference or event, send us a message. #sustainabilityintourism #manchester #homelessness #doingtourismdifferently

I recently attended a session delivered by Ryan Smith, Founder and CEO, The Access Agency, at #WTMLDN that challenged traditional notions of accessibility in tourism. The focus was on creating more inclusive, sustainable, and authentic outdoors and adventure experiences, that are accessible to all. 🦽Accessibility is essential: When planning attractions, prioritise accessibility. This doesn't just mean physical access, but also cognitive and sensory accessibility. 🪐Embrace "Accidental Accessibility": Look for existing experiences that are already accessible, even if they weren't intentionally designed that way. 👤Consult with end users: Involve people with disabilities in the planning and design process to ensure their needs are fully understood and met. 🌁Think local: Adrenaline-fueled experiences can be found in urban settings, like vertigo in Brisbane, which is designed so that wheelchair users do not need to leave their wheelchair behind to enjoy the complete experience of dining on the edge of a building and descending along the wall at the end. 🧬Small businesses, big impact: Small, long-standing businesses often have a natural openness and understanding of accessibility and sustainability. 🪢Inclusive design, not disabled products: Create products that are inherently accessible and enjoyable for everyone. This will provide a better experience to all, including parents travelling with kids in the pram or elderly family members. This session was a powerful reminder that tourism should be for everyone. The future of tourism is a blend of indigenous, sustainable, and accessible practices. This is what will shape the future of the sector. #accessibility #accessibletravel #inclusiom #inclusivedesign

🔮 Prediction: As Florida continues to attract more visitors and residents seeking fun and affordable recreational activities, the trend of ranking its cities among the top spots for entertainment is likely to continue and even expand to additional cities in the state. 🎉 Exciting: It’s thrilling to see Florida cities recognized for their vibrant and accessible recreational options, providing locals and tourists with an abundance of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors year-round. Florida's diverse range of activities ensures there's something for everyone to explore and experience, further solidifying the state's reputation as a top destination for leisure and fun. ⚖️ Truth: The affordability and accessibility of recreational activities in the Sunshine State play a crucial role in enhancing the overall quality of life for residents, contributing to their well-being and sense of community. Recognizing the importance of fostering a balanced lifestyle through various recreational options, Florida cities are consciously investing in creating environments that promote health and happiness for all ages. 💡 Fact: The recognition of Florida cities as some of the most fun in the U.S. not only reflects their commitment to offering diverse recreational opportunities but also highlights the economic benefits that stem from a thriving tourism and entertainment industry. With a focus on sustainability and inclusivity, these cities are paving the way for continued growth and success in the recreational sector, setting a precedent for others to follow suit in providing affordable and enjoyable activities for their communities.