Accessibility
At St. Andrew’s we are committed to making our services and facilities accessible to all so that everyone can share in the life of the church and participate fully. Everyone is welcome to join us for our services, whatever their culture, beliefs or lifestyle. Whether you wish to join in with the worship and engage with God's Word, or to simply sit and observe, we will do all we can to help you have a positive time with us. Below is some further information about accessibility and inclusivity at St. Andrew’s. If there is an area which you feel we have not addressed, or have suggestions for improving it, please do get in touch.
Wheelchair users and people with limited mobility
St. Andrew’s is easily accessible for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. There is car parking directly in front of the church, but no specific disabled bays. However, there is also a pay and display car park immediately adjacent to the church and the “lane” closest to the church is left free for easy access and for drop-off and pick-up purposes. Access to the church building itself is via a ramp or steps with handrails. An accessible toilet is found in the south porch immediately opposite the main entrance to the church. For Communion services, wheelchair users are able to access the central communion rail via a ramp, but if you prefer communion can be brought to you. We are also happy to do this if you have mobility difficulties which might make this easier for you.
Hearing Aid Users
The church is fitted with a hearing aid induction loop which is used to relay the spoken parts of all services.
Visually Impaired Visitors
During the 11.15 and 6.30 services, all parts of the service which involve congregational participation are normally displayed on projection screens at the front of the church. The 9.30am service currently does not use the screens. At all services we have paper copies of the order of service and a number of these will be available in large print. There is a QR code on the order of service which enables you to view all the slides used in the 11.15 and 6.30 services on your smartphone. We also have large print hymn books and Bibles which are available as you enter church. Please speak to one of the welcomers if these are not immediately obvious! Orders of service can also be found on this website for services on the upcoming Sunday.
Visitors with Learning Disabilities
If you have a child with a learning disability who would like to attend any of the activities for young people at St. Andrew’s, we are committed to working with you to ensure that they are fully included. If you would like to discuss your child’s particular requirements, please contact our Children and Families Minister via the church office, who will be happy to talk to you, and also to discuss with you and the relevant group leader how to make your child’s experience as good as possible. If you are an adult with a learning disability, you are welcome to join in any of our activities and if you would like to talk about how you can be included please say hello to any of the clergy.
Quiet Areas
Being such a large church, St Andrew’s can get quite full, busy and also quite noisy when children join us after their groups at the 11.15 service! During the service you are welcome to sit at the back of the church where we have tables set out if this would be more comfortable for you. After the service, St. Philip’s Chapel (on the left hand side of the church towards the front) has been designated as a “quiet area” where you can take a cup of tea or coffee and sit and chat, or just enjoy some time out.