Campaign 53,000 people back call for play park for disabled adults
CROSS-PARTY councillors have backed a campaign for a dedicated play park for disabled adults in Bristol.
More than 53,500 people have signed a petition by Michele Morrice, whose nonverbal 28-year-old son Declan has severe autism, Tourette’s and bipolar, and disability rights advocate Carina Andrews, of the Invisible Army project which supports carers.
It passed the 3,500-name threshold of Bristol residents and workers to trigger a debate at full council and the two women made an impassioned plea at the meeting at City Hall, for a disabled adult play area in both north and south Bristol.
They told members that grown-up users of the parks and their carers often received verbal abuse and complaints that it was inappropriate, and police had even been called.
The pair received an encouraging response at the Bristol City Council meeting.
Mrs Morrice, of Shirehampton, told members: “Raising my son, Declan, for 28 years has been extremely challenging. My son is 6ft 5in and has very complex needs. I have to do everything for him – personal care, feeding and, most importantly, keeping him safe.
“This is extremely difficult while out in the community but we all know that disabled people need to be out in the community.”
She said as an unpaid carer it was hard to make friends and she often went a week without speaking to anybody else.
Ms Andrews said: “We are asking for help to create a safe, fun, accessible and life-changing disabled adult play park.
“Within Bristol we know of many environments for disabled children but when you are a young person who becomes an adult, your options are extremely limited.
“Many carers mostly stay at home within the same four walls due to limited access to safe, understanding places to visit.
“They know if they take their loved ones to a play park, there is a risk that they may receive verbal abuse.
“There are hundreds of real people trapped in their homes, often deteriorating, as the world is not designed for them.”
Their petition says play equipment helps disabled adults to relax and release stress.
It says: “Bristol City Council’s answer so far has been to allocate, in just a couple of parks, one hour at 9am on Sundays for people with additional needs. This is not acceptable.”
Labour Cllr Brenda Massey said: “We do understand the frustrations of families who would benefit from a dedicated play space, but although we are in favour of this request and can see how helpful it would be, we are currently extremely restricted by funding considerations.
“However, I hope there will be cross-party support to work together and determine if there are any alternative sources of funding available to achieve the outcome that we need.”
Green Cllr Jenny Bartle said: “Autistic people of all abilities have a common need that a swing specifically can go a really long way to fulfilling.
“This seems a relatively simple, cost-effective way of making a really meaningful impact on people’s lives.”
Tory Cllr Richard Eddy said his group supported the petition organisers’ request and that it was appalling there were no suitable places in Bristol.
Lib Dem Cllr Tim Kent told the campaigners: “You made a really strong, compelling case. We would certainly be willing to work with you.”
Labour deputy mayor Cllr Craig Cheney said there was cross-party support.
“We are committed that all public spaces, amenities and activities in Bristol should be accessible and welcoming to people with disabilities.”
He said cabinet member responsible for parks Cllr Ellie King would come back with a formal response to the petition.
There are hundreds of real people trapped in their homes as the world is not designed for them.”
Michelle Morrice