Accessibility

 Mobility-related facilities:

  • The Church building has ramped or level access, with three sets of double-doors at the main entrance, all of which can be fully opened (but only from a standing position). (The middle set of doors is on a time lock, so is heavy to push from the outside or pull from the inside.)

Steps in church building:

  • There are no steps in the aisles to reach either altar rail.
  • There is a step (used only by clergy and officiants) to the main altar and a step into the vestry.
  • There is a step to the door at the front of the church but this is not the main door; a portable ramp can be placed here if required
  • All pew seating is up a slight step from aisle level.
  • The toilet in church is up a shallow step and because of two narrow access turns it is not wheelchair accessible.

Wheelchair access in church building:

  • All aisles are wide enough to allow the passage of wheelchairs.
  • There is wheelchair space at the front of the south aisle near the side altar.
  • The main aisle is wide enough for a walker to pass a wheelchair, so wheelchair users are can sit in their chairs anywhere in the main aisle if that is most convenient for them.
  • The toilet in church is up a shallow step and, in addition, because of two narrow access turns, it is not wheelchair accessible. (There is a wheelchair accessible toilet in the hall.)
  • The church is carpeted throughout but the carpet pile does not hinder wheels.
  • The Hall has good access with two sets of double-doors which can be fully opened.
  • There are no steps inside or outside the building.
  • The floor is partly wooden, partly carpeted and partly vinyl but neither hinder wheels.
  • The accessible toilet in the hall has level access, generous space, and side bars to the toilet.
  • There are extensive church grounds, which are mostly a field.
  • The driveway from the road slopes down and then gently up to the car park.
  • There is a level carpark with tarmac surface.
  • There are wide disabled spaces marked in the car park.
  • There is a gentle ramp from the carpark to the hall.
  • There is a short steepish slope, with handrail, from the car park to the very gently sloping tarmac surfaced church path. (The sides of the church path are slightly cambered.)
  • A wheelchair and wheelchair pusher are available from the church on request.
  • All are welcome to remain seated or to stand or move during the service as comfort or necessity require. (We have also been known to lie on pews or on the floor!) Cushions are available in church. Padded kneelers are provided at every seat for those who wish to kneel for prayer.
  • It is our practice for the bread and wine of the Holy Communion to be taken to anyone who might find difficulty in easy mobility, who wishes to remain in a seat rather than walk to the altar rail. Please tell any member of the church, at any stage in the service, if you would like this.

Toilets

  • The toilet in church is up a shallow step and in addition because of two narrow access turns, it is not wheelchair accessible. It has a drop-down side-bar.
  • The accessible toilet in the hall has level access, is spacious and has drop-down side bars.

Hearing-related facilities:

  • There is an induction-loop system in church for the benefit of hearing-aid users, with a hearing aid with a ‘T’ switch or similar.
  • Microphones and a public address system are used in services.

Vision-related facilities:

  • Large print hymn book is available.
  • Large print service book is available.
  • Large print weekly sheet of readings and notices is available.

Child-related facilities:

Babies and children are welcome here; we expect to hear them as well as see them!

  • Church has carpeted area at the back (the Church Library) with children’s books, jigsaws, toys, table and chairs. The toilet in church has potties.
  • Hall toilet has a changing table, potties, a nappy bin and additional heating.

Allergies

  • Our standard communion wafers are NOT gluten-free. If you require gluten-free wafers, please speak with a Warden or welcomer about this in advance of communion.

Defibrillator

St Peter’s defibrillator is in a green case on the front wall of the church hall. It is equipped to be usable for either an adult or a child. It is registered with the Yorkshire Ambulance Service, who will give the case access code when a 999 call is made. The ongoing maintenance of the defibrillator is under the care of Addingham Parish Council.

Inclusion

It is our intention that our church buildings be as accessible as possible within architectural constraints and that our church family should be inclusive in attitude to everyone of all ages and irrespective of physical or neurological conditions.

St Peter’s is dementia-friendly, by accreditation, compassionate intention and experience.

We’re not perfect on accessibility and we don’t always succeed at the first try but please tell us if there is anything else we can do to help you feel comfortable and at home here.

If you would like further information, please get in touch with our Accessibility Officer (to be confirmed) or our Parish Administrator on 01943 830 306 email contact@stpetersaddingham.org.uk