What are Access Groups?

Local access groups provide representation in campaigning; awareness raising; responding to public consultations; and providing direct advice to local authorities and organisations on specific local access issues and projects. Many local access groups comprise only of a small number of people, mainly volunteers. Generally all members have a personal experience of an impairment and advice is often either provided free of charge, or recipients are asked to make a contribution to expenses, or a donation to the group.

Find a local Access Group

Andover Action Committee
Address: 44 Ash Tree Road, Andover, Hampshire.SP10 3BY
contact Judith Entwisle
email jee44and@googlemail.com
tel 01264 354 628

Basingstoke and Deane Access Group
Address: c/o Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council, Civic Offices, London Road, Basingstoke, RG21 4AH
contact Anne Gray
email anne.gray@basingstoke.gov.uk
tel 01256 8455593

Notes: The Access Group is comprised of disabled people advising on access to the built environment, transport and services. When the Disability Forum for Basingstoke & Deane is setup it will be absorbed into that umbrella organisation. Until then it is supported by, but independent of, the Council

Eastleigh and District Disability Forum
Address: c/o Eastleigh Shopmobility, Unit 2, Swan Centre, Wells Place, Eastleigh. SO50 9SG
Contact: Rachel Harrison
Email: eddforum@hotmail.co.uk
East Hants Disability forum
Address: The Ottery, High Street, East Meon, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU32 1NW
contact Ross Smith
email smithrh@btinternet.com
tel 01420 476 962

Gosport Access Group and Disability Forum
Address: Gosport Borough Council, Town Hall, High Street, Gosport, PO12 1EB
contact Richard Sturgess, Access Officer
email rsturgess@fareham.gov.uk
tel 023 9254 5535

Notes: Totally independent Access Group facilitated by the local Council

Havant Borough Council
Address: Civic Offices, Civic Way, Havant, Hampshire, P09 2AX
contact Caren Ransom
email caren.ransom@havant.gov.uk
tel 023 9244 6007

Notes: The group is available to give advice and support to all disabled residents and visitors to the Borough. The group can offer to shops, service providers and employers within the Borough; advice and guidance about making their jobs, business premises, goods and services they provide to the public accessible to people with disabilities, in order to comply with the legislation contained in 1995 Disability Discrimination Act.

Hart Access Group
Address: 72 Wickham Place, church Crookham, Fleet, Hampshire, GU52 6NQ
contact Vic Soane
email vg.soane@yahoo.co.uk
tel 01252 690949

New Forest Access For All
contact Joan Cundill
email enquiries@newforestaccessforall.org.uk
tel 01425 476938

Notes: New Forest Access For All (NFAFA – pronounced nafa) is a small local charity run by a lively, dedicated group of volunteers. It was set up in 1997 to highlight the many access problems faced by members of the community, especially people with disabilities and we became a registered charity in 2004. We are affiliated to the National Register of Access Consultants.

Romsey Disability Forum
Address: 106 Rownhams Road, North Baddesly, Southampton, SO52 9EU
contact John Hudson on
email romseydisability@aol.com
tel 01794 514538

Rushmoor Access Group
Address: 3 Queens Road, Fleet, GU52 7LA
contact Owen Durrett
email owen.durrett@ntlworld.com
tel 01252 816416

Notes: Covers the geographical area of Rushmoor Borough Council - the towns of Farnbrorough & Aldershot in North East Hampshire

Winchester Area Access For All WAAFA
Address: Winchester Area Community Action (WACA), The Colebrook Centre
Colebrook Street, Winchester, SO23 9LH
contact Stuart Banks
tel 01962 854844
email sbanks@waca.org.uk