Lifeworks sponsored the Accessibility category for the Devon Tourism Awards 2022/23
The awards were celebrated at Plymouth Argyle’s Home Park on Thursday 2 February, and staff from Exeter City Council’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) were delighted to take home the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism award. Lifeworks CEO Laura Fraser-Crewes who presented the award said, “It feels so right that Lifeworks sponsored the Accessibility category for the Devon Tourism Awards 2022. Lifeworks’ Mission is to create opportunities for people with learning disabilities to have a great life, and don’t we all love Devon and enjoy visiting places of interest, going out for lovely meals and having a special night away in a boutique hotel? It is so encouraging to see that many of Devon’s visitor attractions and providers are putting thought into how all people can feel included, and I was so impressed with Helen Hartstein who represented RAMM on the night and showed such passion and empathy. We are looking forward to working with RAMM in the future“.
RAMM’s Audience Development Lead Helen Hartstein, who accepted the Dartington crystal trophy on the night, said:
‘We are delighted to have won Gold in the Inclusive and Accessible Tourism category, and grateful to the Devon Tourism Awards for this recognition. Since the museum’s redevelopment in 2012 a great deal of thought has gone into the layout of the galleries, and our teams have created fantastic accessible resources and an abundance of online content to ensure the museum can be explored from home.’
Accessible and Inclusive tourism awards
Little Comfort Farm Holiday Cottages Devon received a Silver Award and said on their Facebook Page “We couldn’t make the glitzy awards ceremony (though I’d love an excuse to get dressed up!). Young children, a working farm and a busy business mean we don’t get out much. We are proud of winning this award and being able to welcome as many as possible to our beautiful farm. If you’d like to see more about their accessible cottages, visit: littlecomfortfarm.co.uk/accessibility/
Seaton Tramway received a Bronze award for Accessible & Inclusive Tourism’ as well as a Silver in Large Attraction of the Year, recognizing the Tramway’s outstanding contributions to the tourism industry in Devon and its commitment to providing an unforgettable experience to its visitors.
Lydford Gorge Alpacas, Lydford were awarded a commended award to go alongside an amazing Gold in New Tourism Business Award and Silver in Experience of the Year (active or learning)
The importance of accessibility and Inclusivity
By sponsoring the Devon Tourism Awards not only are we are able to raise awareness to a wider audience of the important work the charity is involved in, but importantly recognise those Devon tourism businesses who are providing truly memorable visitor experiences for everyone, particularly those with accessibility and learning disability requirements”
At Lifeworks we believe in the rights of all individuals with a learning disability, however complex, to receive the services and support they need to develop the skills and confidence to reach their full potential. Since our beginnings over 21 years ago we have seen a vast improvement in accessibility and inclusion across many services and sectors, but none more so with in the South West tourism industry