Making accessibility to health and wellbeing activities even more inclusive and accessible
Here at Magna Vitae, we understand that some disabilities don’t have physical signs so we cannot always tell if someone has one. Examples include autism, mental health, acquired/traumatic brain injury, sensory processing, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, partial sight and hearing loss.
That’s why at Magna Vitae we’re continually looking to the future for more technologies to improve inclusivity across our venues. Please see below some recognisable symbols to look out for on your visit to our venues:
The International Symbol of Accessibility
The wheelchair symbol is used to indicate improved access or an adapted area for individuals with disabilities or limited mobility (including wheelchair users.)
The symbol is used to indicate accessible entrances, bathrooms, phones, and more that have been adapted to those who benefit from accessibility adjustments.
Remember, not all disabilities are visible…
Visual Impairment Symbol
The term “visual impairment” is used to describe sight loss that can not be corrected using glasses/contact lenses. This differs to blindness (which is commonly used to describe total/near-total sight loss). If you see this symbol, it would usually be worn by someone with a visual impairment. This allows them to inform you and indicate that they do have a visual impairment and may possibly need some assistance.
Remember, not all disabilities are visible…
Hearing Impairment Symbol
Also referred to as the ‘International Symbol for Deafness’, this symbol, which promotes hearing augmentation – identifies that there are devices or services available. Mainly used to identify places that have assistive listening systems (e.g.
induction loops), this symbol can also be used to identify other forms of hearing access. Often, the symbol is used with text to indicate the type of hearing service or
device provided.
Remember, not all disabilities are visible…
Below you can see what we are doing within our venues to ensure we are inclusive and accessible within our venues:
Below you can see what we are doing within our venues to ensure we are inclusive and accessible within our venues:
Car Parking and Entrances
Some of our car parking spaces are dedicated to Blue Badge Holders. The spaces are easily recognisable, with the international wheelchair symbol on the ground and yellow hash lines around the bay.
When entering our buildings there are either automatic entrance doors or push door release buttons.
All our entrances are accessible with wide doorways, to cater for wheelchair users. Our reception desks are lowered to enable wheelchair users to access the reception desks.
At Meridian Leisure Centre, there are accessible entrance gates to access certain areas of the facilities, this is operated by the reception team on entrance and a push button on exit.
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Assistance Dogs
We welcome any guide and assistance dogs into the venues.
Please note the dogs will not be allowed on poolside, but can be looked after whilst you enjoy your swim in the pool.
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Accessible Toilets and Changing Rooms
Assessable toilets can be found around our buildings, along with numerous accessible changing areas. Within the changing area there is an ceiling track hoist, height adjustable bed and poolside wheelchair.
Please note the accessible toilets and changing rooms are accessed by a Radar key, which can be obtained by reception on your visit.
Within all our accessible toilets and changing rooms there are emergency pull cables, these are red and found hanging next to the toilet and changing facilities, along with grip rails.
Within the changing areas there are tip seats and accessibility to lockers design to support a user with limited ability.
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Poolside
Accessible steps and pool hoist are available on request. Please notify the reception team on arrival that you require these.
Please note, if Aquacise is taking place in the pool, the accessible steps can not be used during the session due to the depth of the pool.
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Induction Loops
Induction Loops are available in all our venues and are located at our front of house desks. Please look for the hearing loop symbol, and ask the team to turn on the induction loop system. You will then need to turn your hearing loop to setting ‘T’.
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Emergency Evacuation Plan
Any customer that will require additional assistance during an evacuation must speak to reception on their first visit to understand the process and provide their own Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan.
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Help is on hand
All our staff are here to help you. Please ask a member of staff if you require any further assistance.
Dementia Awareness & Age Friendly Training
Magna Vitae is a registered partner of the Alzheimer’s Societies Dementia friend’s movement and a member of the East Lindsey Dementia Friendly Community.
Many staff in our venues have taken part in ‘Dementia Friends’ awareness sessions.
Dementia Friends is about learning more about dementia and the small ways we can help people living with Dementia and their carers.
Dementia Friends help by raising awareness and understanding, so that people living with dementia can continue to live in the way they want and continue to access the activities that they enjoy.
The FIVE key messages are:
- Dementia is not a natural part of ageing
- Dementia is caused by diseases of the brain
- Dementia is not just about losing your memory
- There is more to a person than the dementia
- It is possible to live well with dementia
For more information on Dementia Friends:
Mental Health Awareness
Magna Vitae staff access mental health awareness sessions as part of their mandatory training and we have onsite Mental Health First aiders in our venues.
We aim to support both physical and mental health and wellbeing through our activities and services.
We are also a delivery partner for Shine Lincolnshire who work to create, connect, and deliver services that are accessible to all, promoting positive health & wellbeing.
https://shinelincolnshire.com/
Trying these things could help you feel more positive and able to get the most out of life.
- Connect with other people. Good relationships are important for your mental wellbeing.
- Be physically active.
- Learn new skills.
- Give to others.
- Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness).
Sessions within our venues
Within our venues you will find numerous sessions that you can attend, such as:
Meridian Leisure Centre
Quiet Morning Swim – Tuesdays & Thursdays at 6am-10am
Inclusive Swim – Tuesdays at 5pm-6pm
Special Education Needs & Disabilities One to One swimming lessons – These are booked directly with the swim teachers, if you are interested please email info@mvtlc.org
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Horncastle Pool & Fitness Suite
Quiet Swim – Fridays at 2.45pm-3.45pm
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Ageless & Agile
Come along and enjoy a chat, a cuppa and a variety of different activities!
-Mondays from 10am-12noon at Station Sports Centre (Mablethorpe, LN12 1HA)
-Tuesdays from 10am-12noon at Embassy Theatre (Skegness PE25 2UG)
-Thursdays from 1:30pm-3pm at Meridian Leisure Centre (Louth, LN11 8SA)
-Fridays from 10am-12noon at Horncastle Pool & Fitness Suite (Horncastle, LN9 6HP)
Alternative Formats
If you would like any of the information available in an alternative format, please contact our team by emailing info@mvtlc.org, speaking to the team directly or calling the venues below:
Horncastle Pool & Fitness Suite | 01507 522489
Meridian Leisure Centre | 01507 607650
Skegness Pool & Fitness Suite | 01754 610675
Station Sports Centre | 01507 472129