A University Project for Dementia in the UK
A University Project for Dementia in the UK
A University Project for Dementia in the UK
Posted 28 April 2022
The research team have been busily visiting many of our partner businesses and charities over the past few weeks, carrying out site audits, so we can explore how to make these spaces more accessible and learn from some excellent practise. We’re grateful to all of our hosts for making us feel so welcome, and look forward to developing ideas together.
One of the sites participating in the project is Stuart Line Cruises, in Exmouth, and we wanted to share with you some words from them, following the site audit which gives a great summary of how ENLIVEN is already having an impact:
Stuart Line Cruises is a family-run passenger boat business, based in the iconic seaside town of Exmouth, in East Devon. They have proudly facilitated a diverse range of seasonal sightseeing cruises throughout the year for more than 50 years, from one-hour circular cruises to full days trips. They are active members of Visit Devon and Devon’s Association of Tourist Attractions, certifying them as one of Devon’s highest quality experiences and ensuring that they remain at the forefront of the Hospitality, Travel and Tourism industry.
The Stuart family and their close-knit team of colleagues are hugely excited to be involved with the ENLIVEN project and were delighted to recently welcome Dr Steven Owen and Hannah Cameron aboard for a River Exe Cruise, as part of their research for the project.
“Although most of our cruises are already physically accessible to those with reduced mobility, we have identified that many people may currently associate accessibility most commonly with physicality and it is our hope that our involvement with ENLIVEN will help to raise awareness of the need for a more in-depth understanding of accessibility and how attractions like ours can be more welcoming to all people.
Through involvement with the project, we hope to improve the accessibility of the experience which we offer, breaking down any existing barriers for people living with cognitive impairment, with the aim of facilitating inclusive, year-round outdoor activities, which are proven to promote social inclusion and stimulate memory and the senses.” (Lauren from Stuart Line Cruises).
Jake Stuart added: “There is nothing like getting out on the water – listening to the sounds of the sea and wildlife, feeling the breeze on your face and smelling the salty coastal air. Our team are nationally renowned for our warm and personable welcome and we look forward to leading the way in developing the accessibility of Devon attractions even further.”