Good News Spotlight: St John’s at Carlton-in-Lindrick Awarded Disability Parish Grant
We are pleased to share that St John’s at Carlton-in-Lindrick has successfully secured funding through the Disability Parish Grant Scheme. Part of the Disability Project 2024, the Parish Grants Scheme supports parishes in enhancing accessibility and inclusion for those who are Deaf, disabled, and/or neurodivergent. Parishes can apply for funding for small projects, with grants of up to £5,000, or for larger works, with grants of up to £50,000. Small projects might include initiatives such as launching supportive groups for disabled people, improving signage and imagery with inclusivity in mind, creating dementia-friendly church environments, or providing training for staff, volunteers, and congregations.
Geoff Lewis of St John’s Carlton PCC shared their motivation for applying:
“St. John’s Parish Centre was constructed in the early 1990s by the conversion of derelict farm outbuildings providing accommodation and fittings appropriate at that time. During a recent inspection of the fire alarm system it was pointed out to us by the technician that there were no visual indicators of the fire alarm sounding to alert those with hearing loss, something which would nowadays be part of building regulations and a desirable improvement to the current system.
We were also conscious that spaces allowing those with mobility needs to park close to the entrance to the building have lost their clear marking over time and users have also pointed out to us that the originals, though welcomed, are misplaced to give immediate access to the ramps provided.
Alongside other pressing needs for maintenance and upkeep it was easy to see these non-statutory adjustments move down the list of priorities for action at the Centre. In the last year the Centre has accommodated many more visitors of advancing years and with additional needs, we try to improve access and provision where possible.
Our success in being awarded a part of this particular small grant scheme will help us, in the short term, to bring the provision to a higher standard and improve our safety for those with additional needs without having to compete for funds with other necessary needs day to day.”
The parish grant remains available. You can find out more here. For any queries relating to completing the application, please contact Stephen here.
Good News Spotlight is a regular feature in our diocesan communications that highlights and celebrates God’s work in parishes across the diocese. If your church has a good news story to share, we’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch with us here.