Our Vision
Brought to you by the people who put ‘autism friendly/relaxed’ performances firmly into theatres across the UK, Friendly Access was established to support and at times create, a fairer, more accessible, more inclusive society, respecting and working in partnership with people within our disabled and neurodiverse communities, their families, and organisations.
Our holistic and Social model approach is designed around delivering life-changing opportunity and adventure.
Our projects include:
- SurfABLE Scotland, based on the North East Scotland coast, we are proudly Scotland’s first inclusive and fully adaptive surf therapy organisation – apparently the most northerly in the world. Our programme provides assisted, non-assisted group, and 1:1 lessons for surfers who require a higher ratio of assistance at all times. We offer a full pathway into surfing, from recreational, progression and coaching for those looking for that more competitive edge in the world of Para Surf. For many, surfing can life-transforming, with fun and adventure built-in.
- SwimABLE Scotland, working partnership with Active School Moray, we deliver structured swimming and pool based surf lessons for children with a disability, condition and/or behavioural issues, in a safe and understanding environment. As all sessions are person centred, we continue to monitor and evaluate each child’s progress, which is fed back to the child, parent/carer and school.
Awareness is great. Understanding is everything.
In December 2022, in partnership with the Scottish Surfing Federation, SurfABLE Scotland coached and led Scotland’s first para surfer, Jade Edward, in Scotland’s debut onto the world stage in The International Surfing Association (ISA) World Para Surf Comp, California. Jade (aged 10) is the youngest ever female to compete, and first Scottish surfer to reach a semi-final place in a World surfing competition. For for info, check out Latest News on our SurfABLE Scotland project page.