Access for All

At St Matthew's, Rastrick, we are very much aware that not everyone is able-bodied.

1. Church

If you are arriving by car, there is a dedicated disabled car parking place in the Calderdale Council off-street car-park next to the churchyard on Crowtrees Lane.

Access into the church is available for wheelchairs and pushchairs by  the ramp adjacent to the front door. If you are arriving from Church Street, please use the car park entrance, to avoid the steps from Church Street into the churchyard. The steps are quite steep and close to the road.  

Once inside the church, push chairs can be 'parked' in the narthex (i.e. the lobby)  at the back of church.  Wheelchair users are welcome inside church.  Please ask one of the churchwardens or welcomers how we can best accommodate you. It is important that the aisles are kept clear for use as emergency exits. 

There is a spare wheelchair available for use in emergency, if needed.

The toilet at the back of church is suitable for disabled users, and there is also a changing mat for babies. 

The Audio system in church has an Induction Loop for those who use hearing aids. 

We have recently (2017-2018) carried out extensive improvements to the public address system in church, including the upstairs gallery.  If you have difficulty in hearing what is being said, we would love to receive your feedback comments. Please let one of the churchwardens know.

We have large print versions of the hymn books which are in regular use. Please ask as you come in, if you require one.

Our visual display equipment now consists of two LED TV screens, located at either side of the apse.  We suggest you sit well forward in the pews to have the best view. If you have problems with the sound, from the screens and not from the PA system, then do get in touch with one of the Churchwardens. We need your feedback.

2. Parish Centre

Car parking at the Parish centre is down a steep access ramp next to the Centre, on-street outside the Parish centre on Church Street, or in the car park next to the  Church (where there is one disabled space)  across the road on Crowtrees Lane.

Access to the main hall at the Parish Centre is at ground level, and presents no obstacle to wheelchair or pushchair users.

There is a disabled toilet which also provides a baby's changing mat opposite the entrance to the main hall.

Meeting rooms on the ground floor are easily accessible, but the access to the upstairs meeting room is by staircase. Unfortunately, we do not have a lift to the first floor.