Young people create interactive guide to make Goodrington South Beach more accessible

Residents and visitors can now access a new interactive guide to Goodrington South Beach, created by young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to help make beach visits easier and more accessible.

Available through a QR code displayed on the beach information board, the guide features an interactive digital map and short film designed to help people understand what to expect before they arrive. By providing accessibility information in an easy-to-use format, the project aims to give people greater confidence when planning a visit to the beach.

The guide was developed through a partnership between South Devon College, Torbay Council and Access Torbay following discussions about how accessibility information could be improved. Students from South Devon College's Learning Opportunities curriculum, studying photography and digital skills, worked with project partners to explore how accessibility information could better support people with disabilities and additional needs when visiting Goodrington South Beach.

Drawing on their own experiences, the students explored the beach from an accessibility perspective, documenting everything from routes and facilities to potential barriers people may encounter. Their findings were transformed into an interactive map and accompanying film designed to help others plan their visit with confidence and make informed decisions before they travel.

The project gave students the opportunity to put their photography and digital skills into practice while working on a real-world challenge that could make a meaningful difference to people's lives. It also demonstrated how lived experience can help shape practical solutions that benefit the wider community.

Councillor Adam Billings, Cabinet Member for Pride in Place and Parking, said:

"This project is a fantastic example of how young people can use their skills, creativity and lived experience to make a real difference in their community. By creating this interactive accessibility guide, the students have helped provide valuable information that will give residents and visitors greater confidence when planning a trip to Goodrington South Beach."

"Their work supports our commitment to making Torbay as accessible and inclusive as possible, while also demonstrating the importance of involving people with lived experience in shaping services and public spaces."

"We are proud to have supported this partnership and would like to thank the students, South Devon College and Access Torbay for their contribution to improving accessibility across the Bay."

Staff at South Devon College say the project reflects the importance of giving students opportunities to build confidence, independence and employability skills through meaningful experiences that have a positive impact on the wider community.

Alex Howarth, Head of SEND, Learning Opportunities and Vulnerable Learners at South Devon College, said:

"This project has been a hugely rewarding collaboration that our students thoroughly enjoyed. It gave them the opportunity to develop and showcase their skills while contributing to something meaningful."

"It demonstrates how lived experience can help drive positive change, improving access to valued community spaces such as Goodrington Beach for both residents and visitors. I'm incredibly proud of our students' commitment and contribution, and I look forward to exploring more opportunities to work together to promote inclusion and accessibility for all."

The project forms part of Torbay Council's ongoing work with partners to improve accessibility across the Bay and ensure everyone can enjoy its beaches, coastline and public spaces. At Goodrington South Beach, this includes supporting the fully equipped accessible beach hut operated by Mencap and providing accessible beach matting to improve access across the sand for wheelchair users and people with mobility needs.

As students begin the new academic year, the project highlights how learners can use their skills, creativity and lived experience to make a positive contribution to their local community while developing valuable skills through real-world projects.

The guide is now available via a QR code on the Goodrington South Beach information board, giving residents and visitors instant access to accessibility information designed to help them plan their visit with confidence.