Introduction
We want everyone to feel welcome, comfortable and fully included at Prestwich Community Choir. This Access Statement explains what you can expect from our rehearsal space, our events and our communication. If you have access needs, questions or suggestions, we are always happy to chat and explore adjustments together.

About our rehearsal space
We rehearse every Monday evening during term time at The Heys School, Heys Road, Prestwich M25 1JZ, in the Theatre space. The room is a large space and has light grey walls and floor. There are no windows and the space is lit with bright lighting. There is a large flat, level, stage area, with dark stage curtains which can be drawn. There are fire exit doors in the room, which can offer ventilation. Heating is provided in colder months. The main doors to the room are typically left open, which may result in some noise from passersby. Our registration desk is situated by the theatre door where you will be greeted and registered.

Accessing the space - entrance
Our doors open for members at 7:15 pm. You will be greeted and directed by the team at the main door at our taster sessions. Main access to the theatre is via the main entrance through the school and approx. a 200 meter walk through the school with a small staircase of 4 steps along the way.  Step-free access to the Theatre space is available via an alternative side entrance, which takes a route outside the main building on flat ground. If you require access via the side entrance, or any assistance upon arrival, please contact us in advance so we can ensure it is unlocked and someone is available to meet you.

Exiting the space
Rehearsals run from 7:30 pm until 9:00 pm, and we must vacate the building promptly at the end of the rehearsal. All members and their vehicles need to be off the site by 9.15pm.

Attendance & fees
Attendance is flexible; you are welcome to join and attend as you please. In line with GDPR, we will remove your details from our register and records if we haven’t seen or heard from you for over a term. We aim to make our pricing accessible and flexible, we offer a limited number of reduced fee places. Please contact us if you need to make use of reduced fees, we will review this with you each term.

Parking
Free car parking is available on site, with ample spaces.

Public transport
Our rehearsal venue is a 7-minute walk from Prestwich Metro station, which has ramp access, see here. Bus 90 and 94 stop opposite the school.  Buses 135, 894, 895 & 900 stop at the junction of Heywood Road and Bury Old Road and are a 12 minute walk, see here.  Buses 66, 90, 94,95,97 & 98 stop in Prestwich Village along Bury New Road, this is approx. a 10 minute walk, see here. Please check Bee Network for up to date information on times and routes.

Online accessibility
We use an app called ChoirMate for all communication; this app is available on smartphones and as a website. Our music (lyrics, sheet music, and practice recordings) is also found on ChoirMate. We will issue an access link to the app once you have attended a second time or when you have paid for the full term. Our team members can provide support to access ChoirMate and help you familiarise yourself with the app if needed. Please let us know if you require alternative formats for online information.

Seating and standing
Seating is provided in the rehearsal room. This is tiered, bench seating, in rows. The front row is accessible without steps. The benches have a cushioned fabric back and seat. If this seating is unsuitable for your needs, please contact us in advance so we can explore alternative seating arrangements. We typically alternate between standing and sitting during rehearsals, and you are welcome to stand or sit as needed throughout the session. Please do whatever is most comfortable for you.

Assistance and support
We encourage you to contact us before attending a rehearsal, social activity or performance if you have any specific accessibility needs so we can discuss how best to support you. You are also encouraged to keep us up to date if your access or communication needs change. You are welcome to bring a carer or personal assistant free of charge. Assistance dogs are welcome. We appreciate any feedback you can offer regarding the choir's accessibility; please don't hesitate to contact us with suggestions for improvement by email.

Facilities
Our rehearsal space facilities include:

●  Male, female, gender neutral / accessible toilets which are located in the main school reception and just outside the theatre space.

●  Main and accessible entrance – please ask a team member for directions or assistance  if needed.

Neurodivergent accessibility
We strive to create a welcoming environment for neurodivergent members. Please feel free to bring any items (e.g., fidget toys, earplugs, sunglasses) that help you feel comfortable during rehearsals. You are welcome to take breaks outside the room as needed. Please inform us of any sensory sensitivities or specific communication needs you may have so we can aim to make appropriate adjustments.

What happens at rehearsal?
Our rehearsals generally follow this structure, Participation is entirely voluntary at all times:

1. Welcome and announcements: A team member will welcome everyone, introduce new members, provide venue information, and share announcements.

2. Warm-up: Our Musical Director leads a vocal and physical warm-up, including vocal exercises, movement, and simple songs.

3. First half: We typically work on at least two songs during each rehearsal, either learning new material or revisiting familiar pieces. Music reading is not required; we learn by call and response with our Musical Director.

4. Break: A 10-minute break is provided halfway through the rehearsal. This is a time to ask questions, use the bathroom, take a break from others, or socialise.

5. Sing-along song: We return from our break by singing along to a well known song. This is a different song each week. It requires no practice and you can choose if you wish to join in or not.

6. Second half: We may continue working on songs from the first half or begin rehearsing new material. We often conclude rehearsals by singing through songs we have worked on in the rehearsal, but this may vary.

Performances & Social Events
We are committed to making our social events and performances as inclusive as possible. We consider a range of accessibility factors, including physical access, cost, transport, sensory considerations, and dietary options. We provide detailed information about each venue's accessibility beforehand, but we rely on venues to provide us with accurate information.

We encourage members to share any specific needs they may have so we can make reasonable adjustments. While we strive for maximum inclusion, we recognise that it's not always possible to fully accommodate everyone at every event due to potential conflicts in accessibility needs. We offer a variety of events and performances throughout the year to increase the chances that most members can participate most of the time.

Participation in all events and performances is always optional. This accessibility statement covers formal social events planned by our Social Events Coordinator and all performances. Informal events are not covered.

Feedback
We are committed to continually improving our accessibility. Please share any feedback, suggestions, or concerns you may have by contacting us via email. We also send out a feedback form 2-3 times a year and respond to this feedback in writing.

Conclusion
Prestwich Community Choir is dedicated to creating an inclusive and accessible environment for all. We encourage you to contact us prior to attending if you have any specific accessibility requirements or questions. We look forward to welcoming you to our rehearsals and social events.