They could not have done ’batter’ for making their fish and chip shop accessible to all.

The Hesketh family and their team at Fryers Fish chip shop, Village Walk, Onchan have maintained their Gold Award under the Crossroads Care, Tiered Award Scheme.

The scheme helps businesses become disability smart to ensure everyone has fair access to goods and services.

Shane Hesketh said: ’Since opening Fryers we have always set our standards high combined with a high level of customer service.

’Our ingredients for success are serving the best quality produce and the best quality service.

’Both diner, take-away and toilets are fully accessible.

’Guide dogs are also welcome.

’We offer a gluten free menu, smaller and larger portions and are open seven days a week.

’We are delighted to have been reassessed and awarded Gold for 2017.’

Annette Pinhorn, Tiered Award Lead said: ’The award is completely free of charge and open to any business or organisation no matter how big or small.

’It is designed to help you understand the needs of your customers, service users and employees.

’The reality is around 20 per cent of people you engage with will have a disability and it won’t always be obvious to you or your staff.’

Equality and inclusiveness recognised in charity retailing

Congratulations also go to Crossroads Boutique who were independently judged and awarded Gold under the Tiered Award Scheme.

Tracey Jones, charity shop worker and the access and equality lead for Crossroads Boutique said: ’We are delighted to receive a Gold Award which is testament to our team of volunteers.

’Meeting our customer and volunteer needs is paramount in all that we do.

’The award reflects our achievements and commitment to disability awareness, it also acts as a benchmark for future improvements’.

The Tiered Award Scheme has been designed to help prepare any businesses, organisations for the forthcoming Equality Act. It is free of charge. The award is designed to encourage equality of access and disability smart thinking and is open to organisations committed to developing outcomes that make a real difference for all customers and employees including those with disabilities.

It’s all smiles at Crossroads’ Nursery

All children are unique and some children have additional needs. Crossroads inclusive Nursery was recognised by independent judges under the Tiered Award Scheme for the support and partnership working they undertake in the community including young carers.

The children’s services team are celebrating their gold award for the work they do to improve outcomes for their youngest learners, their parents and carers.

Hannah Murphy, children’s services manager said: ’Our mixed ability fully integrated nursery welcomes children from birth to five years and is changing attitudes to disability. It helps parents, adds real value to the Nursery is good for the children and staff. We extend our support through our Nursery Outreach service which enables children with additional needs to attend a Nursery local to them’.

lIf you are interested in the Award and would like more information contact the Access Office on 673103 or email [email protected]

The Access office also offers online disability awareness training to local businesses and organisations.

Alison Calladine, volunteer, Tracey Jones, Crossroads Care and Mike Johnson, judge

Emma, Lydia and Dee, Crossroads Nursery with judge Mike Johnson

The Hesketh team and Mike Johnson, judge, who presented them with the gold award