The church community wishes to ensure that everyone has access to the building and the activities that take place here.
Front Entrance
The front entrance of the church is level with the pavement and the care home opposite, with wide double doors to allow easy access to the vestibule, the social area and the sanctuary. For church services, there is always someone there to open the door, to assist if required and to give a welcome. There is a car park alongside the church (accessed from Lammas Road), with a ramp to give access to the pavement by the entrance – this is wide enough to allow temporary vehicular access for picking up and dropping off of people with significant mobility issues. The paved area in front of the main entrance is flat, while the car park has a gentle incline.
Hall Entrance
The hall entrance is at the far end of the car park and gives direct access to both the hall and the ‘soft lounge’ meeting area. There is a ramp from the car park to the paved area leading to this entrance; this is unsuitable for vehicles. The ‘soft lounge’, hall and kitchen areas are all on one level, although there are stairs up to two storage areas leading off from the hall space, and to the boiler room from the kitchen. This photo shows the hall entrance and ramp. It is slightly narrower than the front entrance but has two large doors that can be opened to ensure access.
Church Interior
The church is built on a single level, and internal doors are wide to give easy access to the sanctuary, hall and meeting rooms in the building. The sanctuary has a low platform at the front with a single step to access it. This area is mainly used by the worship leader, Duty Trustee, readers and musicians.
The seating in the sanctuary is wheelchair and walking-frame friendly, composed of individual chairs which can be re-arranged as necessary. A Communion service is held once a month, and the communion elements are brought to the seated congregation. The bread used is gluten-free. Everyone is invited to participate in Communion but there is no pressure to do so.
The church sanctuary is fitted with an induction loop system for the benefit of hearing aid users – we regularly check that this is working, but if visitors find that they cannot access the loop, please speak to one of the Trustees. If hymn books are used in worship, large print versions are available – just ask the welcome team for one. However, most services display hymn words and images on two large TV screens. Text colour and background on screen displays have been generated in conjunction with members of the church who have visual impairment.
There are toilet facilities just inside the front entrance; both the men’s and ladies’ toilets include one large cubicle for easy access for those with mobility difficulties. There are also toilet facilities beyond the hall entrance, with a separate disabled toilet and baby changing facilities.
Sherbourne Community Church, Coventry 