About High Peak Access
High Peak Access is a voluntary constituted group. It is a vibrant campaigning group, led by disabled people. It is the amalgamation of the four High Peak Access Groups: Hope Valley, Buxton, Glossop and New Mills.
The group brings together knowledge and expertise on Access/Audits/Guidance, The Equality Act (Oct. 2010), Bill of Rights, Equality Bill, The Disability Equality Duty, UN Convention on Disability Rights, Human Rights Act and Current Legislation relating to disability issues.
It is an active ‘working group’, however, we are also a social group too, as it can act as a safe haven, for example, it will be accepting of physical and emotional needs/differences; but perhaps, more importantly, it provides a focus, an outlet in our lives. And, it is one, which we can learn valuable skills, that can be used for the benefit of our communities, and thus, for all society.
Our mission is to embark on a series of campaigns for projects to raise awareness surrounding the obstacles disabled people, elderly people and parents with young children encounter when attempting to access Services. It is about addressing the inequalities in our society.
Group Meetings are held on the 4th Monday of each month, at New Mills Volunteer Centre, 6 pm – 8 pm. During the school holidays we hold meetings during the day.
Aims and Objectives
1) To promote accessibility for the benefit of disabled people, and all members of society in the High Peak.
2) High Peak Access exists to promote access for all disabled people, living, working, or visiting the High Peak and surrounding areas; so that all members of society can participate in their community, such as, access to: the built environment; to goods; facilities and services; to information; to transport; to communication; to education; to employment; to the countryside.
3) To provide awareness in the local community of the problems relating to access and disability related issues.
4) To act as an information resource for both local residents and tourists.
5) To promote equality for disabled people: by promoting positive attitudes/image of disabled people; by challenging anti-social behaviour against, or harassment of, disabled people.
Equal Opportunities Policy
High Peak Access will work to enable ALL Disabled People to gain equality of access to all utilities and facilities in the High Peak.
To endeavour to alleviate rural isolation due to limited transport by informing ALL Disabled People about the Community Transport Scheme, DIAL and the Social Car Scheme.
To ensure that ALL Disabled People can enjoy all local activities within the High Peak, such as, the Access Group, Day Care and Friendship Clubs. And, to ensure that all the utilities and facilities are fully accessible.
To provide: accessible venues, dropped kerbs, hearing loop systems, ramped/level access, speech to text, signers and information in a range of formats i.e. Large Print or Braille.
In conclusion, accessibility to the built environment will benefit numerous people both disabled and non-disabled people; elderly people, parents with young children; local residents and tourists – it is about providing equal opportunities for ALL people.
It is also imperative that disabled people are involved in their community, to be involved in the decisions on what and how things are provided. They must be part of the process, and not just the recipients of others’ decisions.
High Peak Access’ commitment to promoting Equal Opportunity and Diversity in all areas of voluntary work with both the Public and Private Sector will provide an inclusive working environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
Our Funders
Derbyshire Disability Action Network (DDAN)
High Peak CVS