One of our Huddersfield area churches has used the small projects funding stream of the Parish Grants Scheme to make a small change to the accessibility of their parish centre, which has made a big difference to those who use it.
Kirkheaton Parish Church applied for the fund in late 2024, looking to extend their handrails to improve access to their Parish Centre.
Cathy Howarth, Parish Administrator, said: “Our handrails to the Parish Centre didn’t go all the way to the front door, which caused some problems for people who wanted to attend some of our regular events.
“Like many congregations, our population is getting older, so this was becoming more of an issue.
“However, funding was a problem.
“Our disability rep on our PCC saw the opportunity to apply and so we got quotes for the work and completed the straightforward application form, along with the quotes needed.
“Within a few weeks we had a decision and were granted the whole amount we had asked for which was £4500, just under the small grants limit of £5000.
“The funds were released before the work started, which was good as it meant that we didn’t have to pay the money out and wait for the funds afterwards, as sometimes happens.
“Since the work has been done our centre users have been delighted with the improvements, especially those who lacked confidence to come on their own in case they couldn’t manage!”
The Parish Grants Scheme will fund small projects up to the value of £5000 where accessibility is the primary focus of the plans.
The Church of England Disability Project (2024-26) aims to remove barriers that Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people face within the church.
As part of the wider project, the Parish Grants Scheme was launched in September 2024.
More information can be found here.
We also have a Diocesan Disability Officer, Natasha Lee, in place who can help support churches with exploring how to make their church more accessible to all, as well as with training options.
Natasha can be contacted at natasha.lee@leeds.anglican.org.