Accessibility at Bethany
There’s room for you here.
Whatever helps you feel at ease on a Sunday, and whoever comes with you, we want to make it easier. Here’s what’s in place now, and how to ask for anything else.
Our vision
A church where everyone belongs.
Whatever your age, ability or background, there’s a place for you at Bethany. That includes people with physical disabilities, sensory needs, learning disabilities, autism, long-term illness, dementia or mental health conditions, and the people who love and care for them.
Welcomed as you are.
You don’t have to explain yourself or earn your place. You’re part of the family.
Included, not just let in.
We want you to take part, to be known and to belong, not only to be accommodated.
Listened to.
You know what helps better than we do. Tell us, and we’ll act on it.
We don’t have everything right yet, and we’ll be honest about that. We’re learning, and we’d love you to help us get better.
On a Sunday
What’s in place now.
Our Sunday gathering is at 10.30am in the Assembly Hall at St George’s School, Sun Lane, Harpenden AL5 4TD. Choose what matters to you, or look at everything.
Disabled parking by the doors
Disabled parking is just beyond the green gates, close to the Assembly Hall doors. Tell us you’re coming and we’ll have a space ready for you.
Drop-off point
There’s a drop-off point near the Assembly Hall doors.
Step-free into the hall
You can enter the Assembly Hall without steps.
Accessible toilet
At the back of the hall as you face the front.
Help finding a seat
Our Welcome Team wear lanyards and are glad to help you find a seat. Just ask.
Hearing loop
The hearing loop is under a red rug on the far side of the Assembly Hall.
Clear words on screen
During worship, the words are projected clearly, without moving images.
Sermon on paper
Ask for a paper copy of the sermon by email, or at the Admin table.
Ear defenders
Available near the entrance to the hall, if the sound is too much.
A quiet room
If you need a break from the gathering, there’s a quiet room you can use. It isn’t supervised, so children and teenagers need to be with a parent or carer. Ask the Welcome Team to show you.
Not on this list?
Tell us what would help. We’d rather hear it than guess.
Before you come
See it first.
Knowing where to park, which door to use and what the room looks like can take the worry out of a first visit.
More photos are on the way, so you can see the doors, the toilet and the rest of the hall before you arrive.
What to expect
Your Sunday, in order.
It’s easier to come when you know what happens next. Here’s a Sunday from the car park to the cup of tea.
Arrive
Main parking is off Carlton Road, and there’s a drop-off point near the Assembly Hall doors. Disabled parking is just beyond the green gates, close to the doors.
Meet the Welcome Team
They wear lanyards and will say hello at the door. The hall is step-free, and they’ll help you find a seat if you’d like that.
Get settled
Ear defenders are near the entrance to the hall. The hearing loop is under a red rug on the far side. The accessible toilet is at the back, as you face the front. If you need a break at any point, ask about the quiet room.
The gathering
We start at 10.30am and it usually runs for 1 hour 30 to 1 hour 45. We sing, we pray and we hear a talk from the Bible. The words are projected clearly, with no moving images.
People may raise their hands or pray out loud. You’re free to join in at whatever level you’re comfortable with, or simply take it all in.
Children and young people
A sign appears on the screens at the front when it’s time to take children to Acorns and Powerpack. At the end of worship another sign invites teenagers to walk over to youth with their leaders.
Stay for a cuppa
There’s tea, coffee and biscuits after the gathering, and time to talk. Take as long as you like.
For carers and families
Looking after someone? We’re glad you’re here.
Caring is a lot to carry, and a Sunday morning can be one more thing to plan. We’d like to make that part lighter.
Everyone is welcome.
You, the person you care for, and the rest of your family. You don’t need to explain yourselves at the door. Come as you are.
Tell us, if it helps.
If you can, let us know about parking, seating, noise or anything else on your mind, and we’ll get ready. If you can’t plan ahead, just come. The Welcome Team will help on the day.
Children and teenagers.
If your child has additional needs, tell us before you come and we’ll talk through what would help them feel at home in Acorns, Powerpack or youth.
Questions we’re asked
Anything on your mind?
Can I park close to the entrance?
Yes. Disabled parking is just beyond the green gates, close to the Assembly Hall doors. Tell us when you’re coming and we’ll have a space ready for you. Reserve a space, or call the church office on 01582 318 171.
Do I have to tell you I’m coming?
No. Everyone is welcome to turn up. If you do tell us, we can get ready for you, whether that’s parking, seating or something else.
Sound can be too much for me. What helps?
Ear defenders are available near the entrance to the hall, and the Welcome Team can help you find a seat. If you need a break, there’s a quiet room you can use. It isn’t supervised, so children and teenagers need to be with a parent or carer. Ask the Welcome Team to show you, or tell us before you come and we’ll talk through what would help.
I find it hard to hear or to see the screens.
A hearing loop is under a red rug on the far side of the Assembly Hall. You can ask for a paper copy of the sermon by email or at the Admin table. During worship the words are projected clearly, without moving images.
Will someone help me find a seat?
Yes. Look for the Welcome Team in their lanyards, and ask. They’re glad to help.
What if something I need isn’t here?
Tell us. We’ll be honest about what we can do now and what we can’t yet, and we’ll use it to improve what we do next.
Visiting the church office?
If you ever need to come to the office, this is what’s there.
Disabled parking
Please call ahead on 01582 318 171 so we can reserve a space.
Toilet and entry
An accessible toilet and step-free access.
Lift
A lift to the first-floor offices.
Anything else?
Tell us what would help.
Tell us before you come, or tell us afterwards. We’d rather hear it than guess, and we’ll use it to make Sundays better.
- Our admin team repliesWe’ll say hello and talk through what would help.
- We’re honest with youAbout what we can do now, and what we can’t yet.
- We get readyWe use what you tell us to improve what we do next.
Information last checked October 2026. If anything here is wrong or out of date, please tell us on 01582 318 171.
From the car park to the door
Park off Carlton Road (first left) and follow the dotted path to the entrance door. If you’re unsure, any of the Welcome Team will point you the right way.
Blue Badge parking
Tell us when you’re coming and we’ll have a space ready for you, just beyond the green gates and close to the door.
Prefer to call? 01582 318171
We’ll only use your details to arrange your parking.