Portstewart community comes together to celebrate two years of inclusive beach

Portstewart Strand celebrates two years as a fully inclusive beach with a community event for the Big Help Out.

On Saturday, the National Trust and Mae Murray Foundation will host guided litter picks along the beach and the dunes, as well as inclusive activities for all the family, including netball, scavenger hunts and sensory table fun.

The Big Help Out was launched last year as part of the celebrations for the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla. It aims to raise awareness of volunteering throughout the UK and provide opportunities for people to experience volunteering and make a difference in their communities. 

Not only will visitors be given the chance to understand the essential role volunteers play in preserving nature, beauty and history for everyone, for ever; they’ll also have the opportunity to have some fun at the beach and enjoy the inclusive offerings at Portstewart Strand.

As a result of the partnership between National Trust and Mae Murray Foundation, the beach now boasts facilities that cater to the needs of the whole community and visitors alike, including those with more complex needs. Access to the beach, water and activities is enabled through the free beach wheelchair and walker loan scheme, accessible walkways,  gender neutral toilet provision and a Changing Places Toilet facility.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to sample services offered by the beach’s commercial partners. Tasting sessions will be provided by ‘Sauna and Sea’ and Sub6 will be offering adapted and inclusive surfing experiences and lessons.

While National Trust properties across England and Wales will also be taking part in the Big Help Out, Portstewart Strand is the only location in Northern Ireland offering visitors a chance to get involved.

Ahead of the event, Hilary McGrady (Director-General, National Trust) said: “Volunteers are the lifeblood of so many charities and the National Trust is no different. We were founded by volunteers in 1895, and 129 years on, volunteers continue to support so many aspects of our work – from helping care for historic gardens and amazing collections, to welcoming visitors through our doors. 

“The Big Help Out is a brilliant opportunity for people to try out volunteering. National Trust places across the UK will be hosting all kinds of activities including litter picks and nature surveys, so please do get involved. Personally, I'm looking forward to joining a beach clean at one of our beautiful coastal sites.

“We are hugely grateful to everyone who volunteers with us – thank you for all that you do.”

Additionally, following the success achieved by the partnership between the National Trust and Mae Murray Foundation over the past few years, there will be an expansion of inclusive services offered across further north coast properties. This includes the addition of a stair climber at Mussenden Temple that will allow wheelchair users to experience events inside the iconic cliff-side venue.

Alix Crawford (Chairperson, Mae Murray Foundation) said: “It's our passion to break down barriers and partnerships are a huge part of that. Working with the National Trust has been really inspiring because staff are so enthused about our vision.

"From our perspective, we are keen to do anything we can to support the National Trust to make all of their venues and locations inclusive. It's just really exciting because when you have a partnership where both parties see the end vision. It means those barriers can be broken down a lot more quickly."

Making history in a historic location; Alix’s daughter Talia, who has Cerebral Palsy, became the first wheelchair user to access Mussenden Temple via the stair climber. You can find out more about Talia's story on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/HYSF4gJ58eUY4Tkw/ and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C71RRReSs0N/

The Big Help Out at Portstewart Strand takes place from midday on Saturday 8th June. Please find more information about the event here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/portstewart-strand/events/dc142d66-5f80-43c5-9591-94ffb387f3d9