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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.
Making climbing available to disabled or disadvantaged people is of fantastic value, as natural climbing venues found outdoors are often difficult to access. The exhilaration that disabled users of climbing facilities feel upon facing and overcoming challenges presented to them, often exceeds that felt by others.
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-ambulant youngsters. The young people who are the focus of this project are disabled or have special needs and wish to enjoy the same activities as other young people.
Whilst wheelchair users currently enjoy many of our activities thanks to our specialist staff and equipment, the one activity which they are unable to share in, but only to watch, is rock climbing. This project is designed to change their spectator status into full involvement, encouraging a ‘can do’ attitude in the disabled.
It will provide a unique flagship facility to demonstrate that being disabled does not mean not taking part.
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 people with a wide spectrum of abilities to climb side by side for mutual support and encouragement
an overhead rail system for the support of disabled climbers
pulleys to allow those with multiple disabilities to be hoisted to the top of the wall before being assisted to abseil or climb 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.
View video of the design concept based on the architects drawings... 
The cost of this unique project is in the region of £380,000. Our aim is to raise the full amount by the end of 2012, when construction will begin, taking up to a year to complete.
We have had a great start
On the occasion of the opening of our new All-Weather surface the managing director of
Stancliffe Stone, Mike Faughy, announced that his company would be donating all the stone needed for the new building.
Mr Faughy told dignitaries, who included the Duke of Devonshire and former Home Secretary David Blunkett MP, that the natural stone of the peaks was a legacy of which he and his staff were proud and donating the stone to Dukes Barn was a privilege.
Once up and running, the project will be on going providing a valuable sports facility for disabled people, not available anywhere else in the region. Many of the young people will acquire a lifelong interest in and love of sport which may 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.
We also know that mainstream children love working with other ability young people. It is a policy at Dukes Barn to encourage interaction between such different groups. We can confirm that this has a marked positive effect by reducing prejudice, challenging stereotypes and cementing unlikely friendships, to the benefit of both. It encourages a 'can do' attitude for disabled people, promotes tolerance and respect in able bodied youngsters and opens up possibilities which will have a lasting effect on other areas of life, for both groups.
If you think you can help with the campaign in any way or would like more information about the valuable work Dukes Barn does with young people, give a call. |contact us|
Supported by our patrons
Sir Christian Bonington CBE, The Duke of Devonshire, Lady Morris
and The Right Honourable David Blunkett MP
