We try to be as inclusive and welcoming as possible at St Clare’s, but know that there are always things we could do better. Here’s some basic information about our accessibility, and what to expect if you join us on a Sunday for worship, but if you have any specific questions, please get in touch and we’ll answer as thoroughly as possible.
- We meet for worship at midday on a Sunday at midday. Some people arrive early, others arrive late. We don’t mind what time you arrive. See here for parking information.
- St Clare’s has completely flat access via a shallow ramp.
- We have a range of seats of different heights, some with arms and some without. We sit in a circle, in two rows, and there is space for wheelchairs in the circle.
- People are free to move around as they wish throughout the worship, or sit on the rugs on the floor if they prefer that to the chairs. The space is small (we can seat a max of 30 people).
- We don’t use any amplification and don’t have a loop system.
- There are fidget toys available for use, and we love it when people are knitting, crocheting, doing origami or the like during the worship.
- We don’t have a toilet inside St Clare’s, but during Sunday worship we have access to either basic toilets in a nearby separate block accessible via steps or a ramp (not built to current accessibility standards) or to the Cathedral toilets which are gender neutral and fully accessible.
- Refreshments are available before, during and after the worship. We usually have a range of teas, coffee and decaf coffee and hot chocolate. There is milk and oat milk. There are crisps and biscuits. People often make themselves a drink to have during the worship.
- There will never be flickering or strobing lights at a service.
- We follow a simple printed service sheet. There are no screens used. There are words that everyone is invited to join in with, but you don’t have to. A copy of the order of service can be emailed in advance.
- There is often a time of discussion during the worship. You are welcome to speak or to not speak. Both options are equally valid, and just as important as each other (if everyone spoke, we’d never get home!).
- Our service is ‘Holy Communion’ which means that we share bread and wine together in a symbolic way, as Jesus taught us to. We do this to remember him, and to receive his love afresh through the action of eating and drinking. All are welcome to join in the meal, but you are also free not to. The bread is gluten free. The wine we use is alcoholic.
- We remain seated for most of the service, though most people choose to stand to receive communion.
- Music is played via a single speaker, and we generally sing one hymn.
- Very occasionally there is background noise from an event in the Cathedral ruins. Most weeks, we have the sound of the Cathedral bells in the background.
Hopefully this has been helpful, but if you have any further questions, please contact us.