Local media including TV/radio and the papers can be valuable tools in raising the public awareness of the access issue. Writing articles, running events and staging a variety of photographic opportunities can help to attract attention.

Why not try:

• Finding out who is who in the media in your local area
• Talk to the key people and try and establish a good relationship
• Write an article about the issue in your area and send it, with accompanying photographs (photos really help to get things in the paper)
• Follow up the first article with others and maybe letters on the letters page
• Ask the TV along to your local event
  • Canoeing along somewhere doing something unusual
  • Raising money for charity doing an unusual stunt
• Stage an event where the lack of access is highlighted (invite the press)
  • Walking along the river bank which is a public right of way carrying canoe equipment because you are unable to paddle on the river
  • Go to the town fountain with your canoe equipment but put model canoes/boats into the water because there is nowhere else for you to go
  • Walk through the town with your equipment and carrying placards to highlight the issue
  • Take someone important canoeing – your MP, town councillor, mayor, etc and get them to talk about the issue
  • Invite you local councillor or MP along to your even to present the prizes, etc.
  • Organise a mass paddle to somewhere of note – take pictures and invite the press
  • Think of exciting and innovative ideas. Put them to the test and let us know what you do, how it gets on and especially what works in getting you noticed and the message across

Contact us to let us know what you are doing – where you have been successful and where you might need assistance.

If you have any newspaper articles/photos etc then do let us have them and we can share then with everyone else. Keep a watch on our news section which will let you know what has been going on.