A note on access
CHWA follows the social model of disability. We understand that access is a deeply personal and ever evolving area of learning. We understand, too, that some people may not immediately identify as having needs that relate to an access requirement, but that would help them feel more comfortable, supported or at ease throughout the conference. Examples of this could include:
- Advance information and pictures of venues to help you plan and navigate
- Knowledge of safe and designated quiet spaces
- Pictures and biogs of staff, plus any specialist skills they might have, for example Mental Health First Aiders, Dementia Awareness or additional languages
- A walking video to the venue for those arriving via public transport
- The ability to request being seated in a certain place, eg. near an exit, or a bathroom
- The ability to request help or adjustments with meal and refreshment breaks
For our 2023 conference Making Change, we worked closely with Cloverleaf Advocacy and My Barnsley Too. This year we are bringing this learning, feedback from attendees, and continuing guidance from our national conference working group, to create an accessible, safe and welcoming event.
Here are some of the key elements we are working on, following consultation and advice:
- Offering free companion tickets to those unable to attend independently, and support for carers wherever possible*
- Offering opportunities for attendees to share their specific access needs with us in advance
- Committing to curating panels and breakouts that are representative
- Conference staffed with approachable, friendly people with specialist skills and knowledge, including Mental Health First Aiders
- Captioning for all key panels and filmed/ streamed activities
- BSL for panels (digital and in-person) and additional support in breakouts, when requested**
- Creating quiet and safe spaces aside from the main conference activities - including different ways for people to connect remotely and participate in person.
- The CHWA conference will also be searchable on the Safe Places app throughout the conference days, providing a key of places across the town centre that can provide sanctuary in crisis or space to relax
- Information sharing - providing as much information up front as possible about venues and the programme
- Considering timings and scheduling of the conference - for information processing, energy levels and for people being able to access around caring responsibilities
- Physical signage - ensuring the event has visually strong way-finding
- Keeping the ticket costs as low as possible - working with partners to secure bursaries to support freelance/ unsalaried people and small organisations
- Most of the venues are part of the Breastfeeding Welcome Here Scheme.
* If you are a carer and would like to attend the conference with someone that you care for, please do get in touch with us on [email protected] to see how we can support you.
** Budgetary restrictions will determine the amount of BSL support we can offer, but we will do our best to meet the needs of attendees. Please contact [email protected] with any requests as soon as possible.
Venues
Here are all the AccessAble links and access information for the confirmed conference venues.
The main venue for the conference is Barnsley Civic.
The Civic's Visit Us and Access page includes videos from the main transport links.
You may like to visit other venues across Barnsley. Click on the names for the AccessAble or access information.
- The Parkway Cinema
- Library @ The Lightbox
- Experience Barnsley @ Town Hall
- Barnsley Town Hall
- Cooper Art Gallery
- Digital Media Centre
Access guides for all venues are available on AccessAble. NB: The Civic entrance and reception area has changed since 2023, and we are working with Civic and AccessAble to update the entry.
Most of the venues are also part of the Barnsley Safe Places Scheme (part of the Safe Places National Network).
NB: This page is a live document and will be updated the more we learn through our planning process.
If you have any ideas of how we can improve accessibility or what we need to be thinking about, please write to us at [email protected]. We aim to reply to all access related enquiries within 7 days, but during busy periods this may take up to 2 weeks.
