Our next charity is Disability Networks (Charity 1113). It works tirelessly to make our island a more accessible and inclusive place for disabled people in the Isle of Man.

We spoke to the charity’s coordinator, Beth Martin, about their work.

Who are you / What do you do?

We collated a local disability information directory online.

This includes material for all disabilities regardless of race, gender, age or religion.

We want to make life a little easier for those with a disability and their carers.

The charity is run solely by volunteers.

Why and when did you form?

Back in 2012, the inspiration for the charity was sparked by a conversation between friends over a cuppa, like so many good ideas.

Disability Networks recognised that there was lots of information out there but finding what you needed was time-consuming and difficult, especially if a change in circumstances was sudden which ramps up the stress experienced.

Disability Networks organised relevant information into a local online directory together back in 2014, see www.disabilitynetworks.info

What has been your biggest achievement or proudest moment since forming?

Until recently, our biggest achievement was launching the website.

Then Just Care sponsored a leaflet containing the first contact points leaflet to assist those who had no technical skills or access to technology.

However this year these have been surpassed by launching a beach wheelchair service, thanks to generous support from Celton Manx who shared our vision to make our lovely beaches more accessible.

Based at Outdoors Ramsey, South Promenade all year round and Port Erin’s Cosy Nook seasonal pop-up when the weather is suitable, the northern service is open during shop hours in Ramsey (shut on Sundays), ring 819082.

Both these chairs are suitable for adults up to 18 stones in weight.

For the Cosy Nook venue, contact Port Erin Commissioners on 832298 who will notify Noa Bakehouse and Foraging Vintners on site of your booking.

Donations for using the chair to Disability Networks will ensure this service can continue.

A cash donation can be made on arrival in the collection box.

See more information in the response to the last question for alternative ways of donating.

Check out the beach wheelchair page on our website for more information.

What is your biggest ambition/goal for the future?

Disability Networks have ordered a child-size wheelchair to add to the fleet which should arrive this spring.

This has been possible due to financial support from Zurich, a Manx Telecom ’It’s Our Community’ award, a generous donation from Isle of Man Self-Caterers Association and smaller donations from our amazing island community.

It never fails to humble us when the community rallies round.

It has been very difficult to raise awareness of what we do during the pandemic when all leaflets have been removed in public places and holding events was fraught with difficulties.

We are proud to have raised the funds required in just under a year for this chair.

We also have another exciting plan that has just been confirmed but we will reveal more details of that in due course.

Suffice it to say for now that we are deeply chuffed and it chimes well with our aims.

How can people get involved?

Follow us on Facebook at Disability Networks to get the latest news.

Sometimes we are asked to give feedback from our service users about the Isle of Man Government or local commissioners’ surveys regarding disability issues.

This gives our users a collective voice.

At other times local media ask for feedback and their questions are posted on our page, again looking for direct feedback.

Our disabled community are the experts, not our directors.

Check out our website to find information.

If you know of or run any services that need inclusion, get in touch at email [email protected].

We include links to information on Isle of Man Government services, charities and private businesses so that everything you may need is on the one site.

Please note that we are not promoting or recommending any service listed on this site and accept no responsibility of any nature for their services.

You can suggest that Disability Networks is a beneficiary at your organisation’s fundraising events.

Corporate support in the form of services, staff skills or cash from local businesses and organisations is invaluable in consolidating our work and allows us to develop services in line with user feedback.

Where can people find you and where can they donate?

Look for information on our website at www.disabilitynetworks.info.

Find us on Facebook at Disability Networks for the latest news.

Email us at [email protected] if you can’t find answers to your questions on the above.

Our volunteer coordinator will answer you when time allows.

If you are feeling inspired by what you have read and wish to make a donation to Disability Networks, one-off gifts to the charity can be made by post to Beth Martin, Secretary, 2 Smeale Cottages, Andreas, IM7 3EB.

Please make cheques out to Disability Networks.

Should you wish to make an online BACS donation the details are:

Bank name - RBSI International

Sort code - 16 58 80

Account number - 10253427

Account name - Disability Networks.

Together we believe we can make a difference.

l If you would like to see your charity featured, please email [email protected]