Stephen Cruickshank

Member of the Forum & Chairperson of Renfrewshire Access Panel

What is your role within the organisation?

Attend Meetings, Provide Access Audits and Surveys for Renfrewshire Council and local businesses, provide training on various issues and work experience for Children in both mainstream and additional needs schools.

Organisation aims/accomplishments & which communities your organisation is empowering

Renfrewshire Access Panel is a small charity based in Renfrewshire dealing with accessibility.  Originally we started with access to the built and natural environment and access to services although we are now delighted to be at the forefront of promoting access across its widest remit and endeavours to be fully inclusive in its approach.  This means working across the private, public and third sector to remove physical and attitudinal barriers to equality, and to promote all aspects of independent living within the Renfrewshire community.

The Access Panel is run by a group of disabled Volunteers and we hope to try and make Renfrewshire accessible for all residents & visitors to the area.  The Access Panel currently has thirty-six volunteers approximately and the committee is made up of four office bearers which are Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary.  As the Access is panel is a charity, we are regulated by OSCR and they check and authorise our accounts each year.

Since the closure of Inverclyde Council on Disability (ICOD) we have been asked to provide assistance to various businesses and football clubs in Inverclyde.

How can people connect with your organisation?

Phone 0141 889 7377/Mobile 07747036028

Our website www.renfrewshireaccesspanel.org.uk

We also have  Facebook and Twitter accounts

Who are you outside work?

I am a husband and father of a beautiful daughter and an amazing little dog.  I am also a very keen photographer, a passion I share with my daughter as well as a woodworking.