Outdoor mobility scheme celebrates 20 years of breaking down barriers

Since 2006, Get Outdoors, which is run by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, has provided specialist equipment to help people with restricted mobility explore beaches and other outdoor locations that might otherwise be difficult to reach.

The scheme offers free beach wheelchairs and all-terrain mobility equipment at locations across Pembrokeshire, with local businesses and community organisations helping to make the equipment available. In 2025 alone, it was used more than 900 times, enabling people to enjoy the coast with family and friends, revisit favourite places and discover new ones.

Dr Madeleine Havard, Chair of the Park Authority, addressed guests at the anniversary event, recognising the contribution of the many individuals, businesses and organisations who have supported the scheme since its inception.

A regular user of the equipment described how the scheme had given her back a life she thought had ended. Access to the sea and green spaces gave her a reason to get up in the morning, while being able to enjoy days out with family and friends helped her regain an independence she thought was no longer available to her.

Angela Robinson, Health and Wellbeing Officer at the Authority, said: “Over the past 20 years, we’ve seen what a difference this equipment has made to people’s lives. It can help children take part in sports days, allow people to attend family funerals and open up experiences that might otherwise be out of reach.

“This celebration was also our opportunity to thank everyone who has helped make the scheme possible. From the volunteers and businesses who look after the equipment to the organisations that support its development, their commitment has helped hundreds of people enjoy Pembrokeshire’s wonderful outdoors.”

The Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust is helping to secure the scheme’s future through its Get Outdoors Partnership Programme, which encourages businesses and organisations to contribute towards new equipment, maintenance, transport and the continued provision of accessible outdoor experiences.

With demand for the equipment continuing, the Authority hopes to build on the scheme’s achievements, ensuring that more people have the opportunity to experience Pembrokeshire’s coast and countryside in the years ahead.

For more information about Get Outdoors, including equipment availability and booking arrangements, visit www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales.

Businesses and organisations interested in supporting the scheme through the Get Outdoors Partnership Programme can find out more at https://pembrokeshirecoasttrust.wales/support-us/get-outdoors.