About us
BEACH ACCESS NORTH EAST registered as a charity in April 2017.
BANE is a user led group, promoting social inclusion, independence and choice across the North of England.
Our three founder members started the charity after learning about Beach Wheelchairs North Berwick Opens in a new window and thinking how beneficial it would be to have something similar to enable more people to enjoy the beautiful North East beaches.
Our mission
BANE is a small charity on a BIG mission!
- A mission to create and sustain a service which will be used by more and more people in the future on the spectacular North East coast.
- A mission to bring together people from all walks of life and all abilities, in a truly spectacular location.
- A mission to support those in need, enhance lives, encourage exploration of the extraordinary and celebrate some of life’s greatest natural treasures: our beaches, the pull of the sea, nature and above all else - people!
Why we do what we do
Research suggests that the beach can provide a wonderful escape from reality. Being by the sea can take you mind off troubles and help you disconnect from the stresses and strains of everyday life. An opportunity to focus on nothing but having a wonderful time with the people around you.
We want as many people as possible to be able to benefit from visiting the beach. To enable that we try to provide equipment to make a visit to the beach an option for people who might otherwise find it inaccessible.
What do we do?
We provide the free loan of beach wheelchairs and other equipment for anyone who needs assistance to access the beach. Whether it's for a few minutes to eat an ice cream on the sand, or a full day playing with friends and family, we want people to enjoy themselves.
We have many different types of wheelchair, some of which are even suitable for paddling in the sea.
Who is our service for?
Anyone who needs a wheelchair to access the beach, from toddlers to 90-year-olds.
We also organise events which not only raise funds but which create inclusive and accessible social activities open to all, able bodied and wheelchair users alike.
Our Committee
Caroline Corfield - Chair & Founder member
Sue Rowley - Treasurer & Founder member
Andy Divers - Trustee
Nicola Crawshaw - Trustee
Helen Wood - Trustee
Alistair McDonald - Trustee
Steve Turnbull - Trustee
Stephen Miller MBE - Honorary President
Explore our other locations
Upcoming events
After the success of our first event in 2019, we are thrilled to say we will be holding our second North East Wheelchair Line up…
Coming soon on August 29th (Bank Holiday Monday). Further details coming soon!
Latest news
We are thrilled to confirm that we are now ‘live’ at Spittal. This sees us move to our furthest point north and will definitely be…
We are absolutely honoured to be selected as a finalist in the ‘Uniquely North East’ category of the North East Charity Awards. This category recognises…
We are very sorry to say we have had to temporarily suspend our loan service at Whitley Bay. Unfortunately there are number of issues, but…
Have you been to Newton by the Sea recently? If you have you may have noticed some accessibility improvements! While we want everyone to enjoy…
Our annual general meeting is taking place on Tuesday 25th April at 7.30pm and will be held in the Sandpiper pub, Farringdon Road, North Shields.…
Cresswell will become the latest beach in Northumberland to have a beach wheelchair! This beautiful hippocampe was put together yesterday and will be delivered to…
Everything that happens here at BANE happens because of a volunteer. We are currently looking for additional volunteers for Whitley Bay and a pool of…
After the success of our first event in 2019, we are thrilled to say we will be holding our second North East Wheelchair Line up…
Finally we are thrilled to announce that loan of equipment at Newton-by-the-Sea will be live on 17th July! We will have a beach walker and…
We are excited to announce that the first chair to be based at Beadnell beach will be available to use from Good Friday. Massive thanks…
FAQs
Everything that happens here at BANE happens because of a volunteer. We are currently looking for additional volunteers for Whitley Bay and a pool of…
We are often asked if we can set up at a new beach. There are lots of factors to take into account when we look…
Anyone who, for whatever reason, has difficulty walking on the beach. This could be a permanent or temporary disability. The beach wheelchairs need someone to…