Tuesday, 16th September 08

This year Pride in Brighton & Hove worked with the Federation for Disabled People and the City Council to make their parade and park event the most accessible ever.

The number of disabled parking spaces was more than doubled, with a free wheelchair accessible shuttle bus to take those who wanted to and from Preston Park.

Thanks to Carters Domestic Appliances on Preston Road, Pride had the free use of their forecourt, in order to set up their first ever viewing area on the parade route. Individuals with mobility issues were able to sit comfortably with enough space and a clear view of the procession.

As in previous years Spectrum ran the Access Tent at Preston Park, which provides a safe social and quiet space for anyone with mental or physical disabilities; the number of disabled toilets was increased, and for those who registered special priority passes were available to use the pound to pee areas for free.

Pride recognises that these initial improvements can be taken further, and is keen to involve the local community with any future developments. In order to facilitate this, they will be holding an Access Feedback Evening on Monday 6^th of October at the Jury's Inn Hotel, 101 Stroudley Road, Brighton from 6.00pm. Contact the Pride office for information on 01273 775939 or The venue is fully accessible, but please contact the Pride Office by Friday 26^th September if you have any particular concerns or requirements.

Kath Browne, Lead Trustee for Community and Diversity said, ‘We are pleased that some things worked really well this year but we still have a long way to go. There have been a number of people who have given feedback on the improvements we need to make for next year and we hope to hear and learn more at the feedback event. If you do have comments please get in touch, or better still get involved and let's work together to make Pride 2009 the most accessible ever!'

Geraldine Des Moulins, Chief Officer of Brighton & Hove Federation of Disabled People said: ‘As part of the Federation's commitment to improve accessibility in the City, we were delighted to work with Pride to improve accessibility to this important City event'.