The Mayor's Award for Access
On Tuesday, October 17 2023, local organisations that provide:
- better access
- helpful services
to people with disabilities were recognised at a ceremony at the Baptist Church, Guildford.
The Mayor of Guildford, Councillor Masuk Miah presented this year's winners with their awards.
The winners are chosen by the Guildford Access Group.
Premises access award winners
The criteria for the premises awards can be found at the bottom of this page.
Bronze award
- Guildford Cathedral (opens new window)
- Ash Vale Centre (opens new window)
- Guildford Cricket Pavilion (opens new window)
Silver award
Access through the arts winners
Rhythm of Life Choir
The Rhythm of Life Choir (opens new window) is open to all ages and singing abilities. The choirs focus is not just singing but friendships of its members. It was formed in 2014 and meets at The Hive community centre.
Trekkers
Trekkers (opens new window) is run at St Saviour's Church. It brings together young people that are vulnerable or have additional needs. Here they can get involved with fun activities, crafts and a drama club.
Services to the community winners
Katy Leonard organiser of Puttenham Youth Club
A special commendation to Katy Leonard. Katy played a large part setting up Puttenham Youth Club and keeping it running for the last 10 years. It's grown from a few children to a thriving and active membership of over 40 between the ages of 8 and 15.
Horsley and Bookham Riding for the Disabled
Horsley and Bookham Riding for the Disabled (opens new window) is run and funded by a team of dedicated people. They teach children and young adults with disabilities to horse ride at Badger's Farm Livery Yard.
George and Mark fundraisers for The Halow Project
George and Mark organised the 'Halow250', an annual 250 mile cycle ride across England and France. The annual cycle ride has been raising funds for the charity, since 2013. The 10th and final Halow250 was held in April 2023. George and Mark have raised more than £1million for The Halow Project (opens new window) over the last 10 years.
Criteria for Accessible Premises for public use
Bronze Award:
- level or suitably ramped access
- stepped access to have handrails
- doors suitably weighted to facilitate ease of opening
- minimum width of main entrance door 800mm
- level access throughout ground floor
- public areas clear of obstructions with good circulation space
- easy access to payment facilities in shops
- provision of sound enhancement system at public reception or till points
- assistance with packing and shopping in retail premises
- restaurants to have moveable seating
Silver Award:
As above plus:
- lift access to upper floors
- low level counters at reception desks or till points
- staff to have undergone disability needs awareness training
- provision of seating for customers/visitors
- provision of a wheelchair accessible toilet which meets current design standards (where toilets are provided for customers/visitors)
- accessible parking provided within any provision for customers or visitors
- printed material (including menus, bar tariffs etc in food outlets) is available in large clear print
Gold Award:
As above plus:
- automatic doors on public entrances
- low level lift buttons both on landings and in lift cars
- lift buttons to visually contrasting against background with raised lettering and voice announcement
- customer information signs have large clear print in contrasting colours to the background
- one to one assistance available
- company has a Disabled Access Policy and ongoing monitoring programme to ensure premises maintain standards of current best practice in design
- printed material is available in alternative formats
- building management carry out regular health and safety and maintenance checks
- providing evidence of undertaking consultation with user groups - fulfilling a public body's duty to provide equality impact surveys for premises within the public sector