We are committed to being a church accessible to as many as possible. We do all we reasonably can to welcome and include people with additional needs. While we have prepared for some people with additional needs before you come, please help us make you feel more at home by telling us in advance when you plan to come and what your needs are.
Sight
Our default at all services is to project the words for songs and for liturgy. For those who find it difficult to read from the screen, we always have a some copies of the words of the songs printed (black print on white paper) as an alternative, with a few large print copies also available. At our Traditional Worship service the liturgy is also available in print.
Hearing
We have a sound reinforcement system, and we ask all service leaders to use a microphone. A T-loop system covers the majority of the worship area of the church building. At our Contemporary Worship services some of our songs have actions. We are gradually moving to use Makaton signs for many of these actions.
Mobility
There are two parking spaces in the church car park reserved for those who have additional mobility needs – these are the two spaces closest to the double gates at the far left of the car park. There are no steps between the church car park and the normal entrance to the building, to the left as you come through the double gates. There is, however, a short incline down before reaching the door. The old entrance to the church has a more level approach, but has two small steps (a few cm each) to reach the worship area. This entrance is normally kept locked, but can easily be opened if this is more convenient for you. There are two steps leading to the altar which is used for most of our Communion services. Those administering Communion are happy to bring the bread and wine to you at your seat if this is more convenient. The church contains a wheelchair-accessible toilet.
Learning disabilities
People from Purley Park have attended our services for many years. We now lead a Traditional Worship service at Purley Park on a Saturday morning once a month. This service is open to others, including those with learning disabilities. Members of St. Mary's are part of the leadership team of Meet Monday, a deanery-wide discipleship group for adults with learning disabilities; this meets at All Saints, Upper Bucklebury.
Families
Age-appropriate teaching for children is part of our Contemporary Worship services. Members of St. Mary's have experience of working with children with additional needs, for example at our Holiday Club, run for a week in the Summer. We will be happy to explore with you how we can provide appropriate support for a family member with additional needs. Please contact us so that we can discuss this with you.