Overview

I visited inverclyde sports centre on Saturday 16th of March 2019 which was Disabled Access day, it was an interesting visit to see the centre’s sports and fitness facilities. In the afternoon we were able to try some accessible sports of boccia and archery. The centre is a specialist parasports centre where the British and scottish boccia teams go to train. The upper half of the centre houses accessible bedrooms with hoists. Some rooms also have an adjoining room for a personal assistant. The centre will occasionally if there is availability, provide bed and breakfast within this accommodation on request, However, this is not general practice and it is always best to enquire first.

Transport & Parking

The centre is quite difficult to reach via public transport. It is accessible via bus however if you are traveling some distance it is better to travel by car. There are disabled parking spaces within the centre car park.

Access

The centre has been newly rebuilt and redesigned in 2016 from the former inverclyde sports centre which was in the same location for many years. The centre now has large lifts, accessibile sports hall which can be hired for £8 an hour. There are also accessible toilets complete with adult changing bench and hoist. At the moment the change bench is not adjustable. Hopefully this will change soon. The upper floors have accessible sleeping accommodation with hoists and adjoining rooms for a Personal assistant. From what I saw the beds are not profiling beds.

Toilets

Toilets are very spacious with lots of room to move around. The toilets have hoists, showers and adult changing benches. At the moment the centre is awaiting height adjustable changing benches to be classified as changing places toilets.

Staff

Staff were all very friendly and helpful

Anything else you wish to tell us?

We all had a great day trying out boccia and archery I think think the centre could have perhaps done more to promote Disabled Access Day and Perhaps do more to promote accessible sports opportunities to Disabled people who may be interested to try new sports. At the moment come and try days are only open to school and groups. Also a possible reduced gym membership fees may encourage more disabled people to get involved in fitness.

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