A PARTNERSHIP between Yorkshire Water and Experience Community is continuing to provide access to reservoirs for people with disabilities.

The award-winning partnership has helped to improve access to reservoir routes for disabled people at Grimwith and Embsay, as well as the water company's other reservoirs at Langsett, on the edge of the Peak District National Park, and Scammonden in West Yorkshire.

Experience Community is a not-for-profit community interest company that provides activities, films and information about walks and other leisure activities for disabled people and the wider community.

Over the last 12 months, 48 events have taken place across the region, providing an opportunity for disabled people to meet, socialise and gain confidence in accessing the countryside in wheelchairs.

In the coming months a dedicated Yorkshire Water Partnership Officer (YWPO) will be taking up a role within Experience Community to further enhance the service provided and to increase engagement with people looking to access Yorkshire’s countryside.

Phil Tennyson, recreation coordinator at Yorkshire Water, said: “We have been working closely with Experience Community for a number of years and despite the impact of the pandemic, we have been able to support people with disabilities to access some the fantastic recreation sites we have around the region.

“We know how important getting out into nature is for mental health and this partnership has been vital in expanding access to our sites to those who may not have thought it was an option for them.”

Rik Legge from Experience Community said “A great many people enjoy being in the countryside; as well as being an excellent place to exercise, green spaces are known to help maintain our mental health and wellbeing. However, for disabled people, getting into these spaces can be incredibly difficult. Issues such as suitable parking, physical barriers such as gates and stiles, and rough terrain can all contribute to this difficulty.

“For this reason, the partnership between Yorkshire Water and Experience Community is invaluable. By working closely, we have managed to increase opportunities for access at several sites. Our joint efforts have resulted in physical improvements to facilities and paths, information videos and development of the Phototrails app to provide route details and guidance, and frequent events for disabled people at these sites."