A NEW Helensburgh and Lomond group that aims to improve access and social inclusion for disabled people has been launched.

Access panels are groups of disabled volunteers who work together to improve physical access and wider social inclusion in their communities.

Unique to Scotland, the panels are pan-disability groups meaning they don’t focus on just one disability but look at accessibility in the broadest possible sense.

Disability Equality Scotland is now looking for people to join the new access panel in Helensburgh to promote inclusive design and accessibility in the area.

The group will discuss the typical work of an access panel and what being part of a panel might be like, including different roles you could take up. 

They also want to hear the views of people with disabilities on improving access to buildings, transport, education and housing.  – then act on these with agencies, businesses and people of interest in the area.

The first meeting will be held online via Zoom from 11am until 12.30pm on Tuesday, October 31, but future meetings are hoped to be in-person in Helensburgh.

For more information, people are asked to phone Disability Equality Scotland on 0141 370 0968 and ask to speak to Calum Byers, who is the area's access and engagement coordinator.

You can also search Helensburgh Access Panel on Eventbrite to reserve a spot for their meeting.