Widgit symbols for the words Inclusion and Church, with label Together

Access and Inclusion at St Vincent's Church

Inclusion Policy: Disabled People. St Vincent’s Church, Crookes, Sheffield

 The Diocese of Hallam is committed to being a welcoming church for all of the Children of God. Each person is wonderfully made in the image of the Creator God. Every person, perhaps at different times of their lives, also has frailties. The Diocese of Hallam is committed to full implementation of The Equality Act 2010. A person is disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if they have “a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative effect” on their ability to do normal daily activities. Thus, we ask, “What are the barriers which prevent disabled people from having full active involvement in our parish life?” “What do we need to do to remove those barriers?"

Documents

Progress so far

  • Our lovely modern church is step free, including from designated spaces in the car park
  • An Inclusion Working group is conducting an Audit to lead to an Action Plan to go to Parish Council
  • We have 2 named contacts via Parish Office- Catherine Livingston and Katharine Ryan-Murray for issues related to disability and inclusion.
  • Keep in Touch Cards and New Parishioner Cards ask "Do you have any particular access needs?"
  • Fr Paddy records the Gospel and Homily for online access every week
  •  Widgit symbol support is used in Liturgy for Children, and by individual parishioners during mass. Symbol resources can be created for anyone on request
  • Widgit symbols are used for Welcome and toilet signage, and in the kitchen.
  • We have joined the Through the Roof online map to show that all are welcome and that we are ready to listen to find out how we can enable full inclusion​ Through the Roof online map

Next Steps

  • Consultation to identify, for example, barriers for individuals, and ministries people want to be involved in
  • Training in disability awareness, including for Welcomers
  • Development of modifications already made for blind and partially sighted people
  • Celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities


Local News

​Learning Disability Week
​Celebrate those living with learning disabilities whilst raising awareness and challenging stigmas. 
2025's theme "Do You See Me?" aims to highlight the importance of visibility and understanding.
There are lots of activities taking place. This ranges from art exhibitions and information stalls to live performances.