The Church of England’s National Disability Project has launched a Parish Accessibility Fund for parishes in the Southern Province.
The fund will support projects and initiatives that increase access to church buildings and enable Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people to participate more fully in services, groups and other church activities.
There are a limited number of larger grants of up to £50,000 available for capital projects that improve building accessibility, alongside a larger number of smaller grants of up to £5,000 for projects and initiatives that help create more accessible cultures and environments within churches.
Larger grants
Larger grants are available for projects with a primary focus on accessibility, or for specific elements within a larger project that have a clear and direct impact on access for Deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent people.
Examples include:
- Installing an access ramp
- Installing an accessible toilet
- Remodelling areas of the church to improve access
Smaller grants
Smaller grants can be used for a wide range of initiatives that embed accessibility and inclusion at the heart of your church and community, or that create opportunities for Deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent people to engage with church life.
Examples include:
- Buying chairs with arms
- Creating an inclusive space for wheelchair users
- Adding or modifying handrails
- Improving paths in your churchyard
- Installing or repairing a hearing loop
- Providing BSL interpretation at events and services to include Deaf attenders
- Establishing an inclusive worship or social event for people with learning disabilities
- Funding a series of events that reach out to disabled people and help make your church a hub of friendship and support
- Working with a local special school or supported living facility to welcome disabled people into your church
- Organising a service or event to mark Disability Sunday and/or inviting speakers to other special events
- Enabling Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people to participate in leading worship
- Making indoor and outdoor social spaces more accessible with appropriately sized tables and seating
- Improving lighting so that speakers’ and leaders’ faces are clearly visible for lip-reading
- Purchasing accessible worship materials, such as large-print resources, and/or equipment to produce your own accessible materials
- Creating a quiet and comfortable space within your building
- Creating or improving step-free access within your building
- Developing an inclusive communications project across your website, social media, noticeboards and other communications channels
- Purchasing or attending training to help your church offer a more inclusive welcome
- Training in Makaton or BSL
- Any other initiative that improves accessibility and helps your church become more welcoming, inclusive and open to the belonging and participation of Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people
The Development and Fundraising Team will shortly publish guidance to support parishes in completing their applications. Support is available from the Development and Fundraising Team, and from John Beauchamp, Disability Ministry Enabler. You can also visit the Church of England website for more information about these grants.