Story
The staff and trustees of Dukes Barn are justly proud of the achievements they have made to date, but there is always more to do. Following the opening of the new All Weather Sports Surface and in line with our aims of providing activities which are fully inclusive for young people of all abilities we are now planning to build an exciting new climbing wall with unique and specific provision for non ambulent youngsters.
We already have planning permission, detailed plans, provisional costs and a team of dedicated and enthusiastic people committed to making it happen, as well as the support of the young people themselves, who can’t wait to get climbing .
The facility will be housed in an environmentally friendly building with energy efficient heating, lighting and insulation and will include:
§ a specialised climbing wall to enable a wide spectrum of abilities to climb side by side for mutual support and encouragement
§ an overhead rail system to support the weight of disabled climbers
§ pulleys to allow those with multiple disabilities to be hoisted to the top of the wall before abseiling down
§ a viewing platform where drinks and snacks can be served to those who just want to relax and observe or are waiting to join the fun
§ a disabled access lift to all levels
§ disabled access toilets and changing rooms
§ storage for special equipment for disabled use.
The cost of this unique project is in the region of £350,000. Our aim is to raise the full amount by the end of 2012, when construction will begin, taking up to a year to complete.
Once up and running, the project will be ongoing providing a valuable sports facility for disabled people, not available anywhere else in the region, long into the future. The young people who benefit will acquire a lifelong interest in and love of sport which will continue well into their adult life. Information from carers, teachers and parents endorses what disabled young people tell us, that the more varied activities they have access to, the less isolated they feel and the more confidence and experience they have to tackle other problems in life.