Access & Inclusivity at St Luke’s
Welcome
At St Luke’s we aim to be a warm and inviting congregation and want to welcome people with any disability. It is the environment which is ‘disabled’ rather than the person, so we are trying to make our environment as accessible and user-friendly as possible. But we know there is always room for improvement, so please do tell us if there is anything else we can do to make it easier for you.
Our Inclusivity Statement
We seek to be an inclusive congregation, welcoming of both human experience and human diversity. This means we are working towards becoming a place where everyone can find justice, especially those who have been excluded by churches in the past.
We seek to be a place of real welcome for all people of all ages, black people and those of ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQI+ people, and disabled people, including those who are physically impaired or neurodivergent, people with learning disabilities, those experiencing mental distress, and those who struggle with belief.
Just as Jesus welcomed everyone, going out to meet them where they were, we want to do the same. We believe that the good news of Jesus is a radical welcome, a great and generous invitation to share in the banquet of God’s creation. And also, a challenge, to this and all generations.
Mini Access Audit
In May members of our Inclusion Group completed a ‘Mini Access Audit’. The report is comprehensive, thoughtful and very tenderly done with compassion. We’re looking at ways to implement the findings and hopefully with grant funding.
Are We Including You?
Our Inclusion Survey Report ‘Are We Including You?’ undertaken in March 2021. Our thanks especially to Dr Naomi Lawson Jacobs, who has kindly analysed the data and created this report (May 2021) which you can read in full here:
Wheelchair Access
The church has step-free access from the front door, the main body of the Church, side-Chapel, Quiet Room, Kitchen and through to the Church-Hall and Toilets.
External access to the Church Hall is via a stone slope to the side of the Church.
Seating in the Church area is individual chairs which can be moved easily to accommodate a wheelchair user to sit anywhere in the Church.
There is a portable ramp to give access to the Chancel Area.
Step-free access to the side garden is through the outside gate or through the kitchen.
Toilets
There are three toilets for public use off the side-hall. They all have step-free access and one is designated as wheelchair accessible, with the door opening inwards and space to maneuver. Transfers are possible from one side and the front. There is a drop-down grab-bar for support.
Induction Loop
There is an induction loop fitted in the main space, so people who are hearing-impaired should turn their hearing aid to the T-position.
Large Print Service Sheets
Large print service sheets are available at the start of the service, please ask at the welcome desk for one.
Side Room
There is a small side room where the service is relayed for the use of anyone with sensory needs who may need to leave the service at any time. There are also toys and soft cushions in this room for parents with young children (this is often referred to as the Creche). People are welcome to use this side room throughout the service as needed. They can also sit quietly in the side Chapel next door, if the side room becomes too busy.
Holy Communion
We have an open table at St Luke’s, it is the table of Jesus of Nazareth who never turned anyone away. Communion is served in the main body of the Church, so is accessible for everyone to share. If people prefer to remain in their seats, the Celebrant can bring the Bread and Wine to them. The bread is gluten-free and there is non-alcoholic alternatives available, or people can ask for a blessing instead.
Newsletter
There is a weekly e-newsletter and this can be printed on request for people without email access.
And Finally…
We know there is always room for improvement, so please do tell us if there is anything we can do to make it easier for you to access the building and worship at St Luke’s.