At St Mary’s, we believe God values each person as unique, created with gifts, challenges, and stories to share.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
- We strive to remove barriers to belonging, so everyone can participate fully in worship, groups, and events.
- We seek to listen first—offering parents/carers space to tell us what adjustments might help their loved one take part comfortably.
What We Do
Creating safe spaces
We aim to create rooms where the children’s groups meet that are sensory-friendly areas, and to create quiet areas if needed. We aim to allow time out breaks for children for whom that is helpful.
Providing resources to help engagement
We aim to keep a consistent programme in groups, have written or visual timetables, provide fidget aids, sensory tools, or accessible fonts and printed materials. We also have 1 to1 support for some children for whom that is helpful.
Working in partnership
We are always wanting to improve so we welcome conversation with families and individuals to understand personal needs rather than assume them, and to create tailored plans together.
How You Can Help
- If you or someone in your family has SEN or is neurodivergent, please do get in touch. We’d love to hear from you, so we can plan ahead and help make church life more accessible and enjoyable.
- If you’re a volunteer or group leader, please speak to one of our staff members—there’s training available, and practical guidance to help everyone belong.
Treasure Box
Meets during the 10am Sunday service and is for children and young adults with significant additional needs who need specialised support. We love singing and making music, hearing about Jesus, praying and using sensory activities, games and craft to help engagement. We also have snacks and drinks.
For more information contact: Caroline West (Assistant Minister for Children)
