We take the words “where all find a welcome” seriously, and we do our best to be accessible for everyone. Whilst we can’t promise to meet every accessibility need we can promise to help you in any way we can. This page gives a quick overview of access and accessibility information for our church building and our services.
If you need any more information or support please contact us or ask any member of our team.
Physical access
There is step-free access to most public areas of the building. Most areas are also wheelchair accessible, although some spaces are narrow. The flooring within the church building is York stone flag paving.
Parking
There are two accessible parking spaces next to the neighbouring Community Centre. There is step-free access from these spaces to the church building. The surfaces are tarmac, concrete flagstones and bonded resin path.
Seating
Most seating in the church building is on fixed wooden pews, which may have limited legroom. There is a shallow step up to all pews.
Seating in our Family Corner is on moveable wooden chairs with backs. Benches and stools are available for children.
We do not have designated wheelchair spaces, but wheelchair users are welcome to either sit at the front or back of the building (outside of circulation spaces), or to transfer to pews. Please let any of our team know if you need help finding a space or storing a wheelchair.
Communion
When approaching the altar for communion or a blessing you are welcome to either kneel or stand.
If you aren’t able to approach the altar, we are happy to either bring communion or offer a blessing at your seat. If you would like us to do this, just mention it to a member of our team.
Toilets
The church building has no toilet facilities. Toilets, including accessible toilets, are available in the neighbouring Community Centre. Any member of our team will be able to help you gain access to these facilities.
Access to the Community Centre is step-free via a short, fixed ramp. The main entrance is via two sets of double doors which open in both directions. Doors to the accessible toilet open outwards. Accessible toilets have emergency pull cords. There are shelves available in our accessible toilets. The building does not have any Changing Places facilities.
Evacuation
If you need help leaving the building quickly in an emergency please let one of our stewards know when you arrive.
Mobility scooters
We have dedicated parking for mobility scooters outside the neighbouring Community Centre. If you need to, you are welcome to bring your mobility scooter to the church door. Due to narrow spaces and tight corners we cannot allow the use of mobility scooters in the church building.
Hearing
The church building has an inductive hearing loop which can be used by setting hearing aids to the “T” position.
If you prefer to sit closer to the front so that you can lip read, please do so. If you need help finding a pew where you can lip read, please ask a member of our team.
Sight
Large-print versions of our orders of service are available on request. If you need a large-print version, let one of our team know.
Orders of service for most of our services can be found online at whitkirkchurch.org.uk/services. You are welcome to view these on your own device, and they can be set to use large text or a dyslexia-friendly font.
Some services may be conducted in low light or by candlelight. If you need any additional help during these services, please ask any member of our team.
Sensory
If you or someone you care for has sensory access needs, please ask our team for our sensory bag. This includes a weighted throw, ear defenders, fidget toys and colour-changing lights. We also have a range of resources in our Family Corner which may help in offering distractions or comfort, including colouring resources, books and soft toys.
You are always welcome to ask any member of our team for more information about what is going to happen in a service, including details of where there may be music, movement or anything else. You are also always welcome to step out of the service if you need to and return later.
Dietary
We have gluten-free communion wafers available if you need them; just let one of our team know at the beginning of the service.
We do not offer alcohol-free communion wine, but the Church of England considers only taking the bread to still be full communion. If you don’t wish to take the wine, just return to your seat after taking the bread.
Incense and smoke
Some of our services use of incense as part of our worship, which may cause breathing difficulties for some people. This is normally used at our Sunday morning services on the first, third and fifth Sundays of the month, and at special festivals such as Christmas and Easter. If you want to double check if incense is being used, please contact us.
Breastfeeding
St Mary’s is a family-friendly church, and you are welcome to breastfeed your child at any time if you feel comfortable doing so. If you prefer, you can use our Family Corner at the back of the building, or if you would like a more private space please speak to any member of our team.
More information
If you would like more information or details about the accessibility of our building or services, if you think this page is missing something or if you have an idea for how we can do something better please contact us.