The Culture, Health & Wellbeing Alliance (CHWA) follows the social model of disability. We understand that access is a deeply personal and ever evolving area of learning. We understand, too, that some people may not immediately identify as having an access requirement, but may be aware of things that would help them feel more comfortable, supported or at ease whilst engaging with us. Examples of this could include:
- Advance information, such as agendas and pictures of venues to help you plan and navigate
- Additional support, flexibility or time within the recruitment process
- Visual Stories
- Knowledge of safe and designated quiet spaces
- Pictures and biogs of staff, plus any specialist skills they might have, for example Mental Health First Aiders, Dementia Awareness or additional languages
- Alternative formats of information
A note on Language
CHWA strives to create spaces, both physical and online, that feel held, supportive and promote safety of self and others. We understand that a major part of this is through the language we use, and encourage everyone engaging with CHWA to consider the effects of the words they chose, and to avoid using derogatory, outdated or otherwise hurtful language. For full language guidance, please see the document below.
CHWA’s Online Conduct of Care
Most of our meetings and events take place online, on either Zoom or Teams. Please see below our online conduct of care.
- CHWA promotes a relaxed, informal environment to meetings
- For working/steering group meetings and board meetings agendas will always be sent in advance via email. If you need these in a different format please let us know.
- Make yourself comfortable. Please feel free to sit/stand/lie however works for you, and move as you need to. Do whatever you need to do to participate comfortably – please let CHWA know if there are specific things you need them to provide
- There is no obligation to be on camera. If you need to turn your camera off for any reason, please do.
- Meetings of over one hour will always include a comfort break. If you need to take a break before then, please do. It would help to let a member of the team know.
- We understand that the work environment looks different for everybody: pets, children and other family members passing through need no apology.
Financial Barriers to Access
Most of CHWA’s events are free to attend. However, larger events, such as our three-day conference, need to be paid for to make them viable. We aim to keep this accessible through:
- Tiered ticket pricing
- Bursaries and scholarships
- A variety of ticket types
- Free companion tickets to those who would otherwise struggle to attend
If you would like to attend one of our events and finance is a barrier for you, then please reach out to us at info@culturehealthandwellbeing.org.uk and we will always try to help find solutions.
Recruitment
CHWA is committed to increasing diversity and inclusion from typically underrepresented groups, and breaking down barriers to access for people who are disabled or live with a long term health condition. All of our job vacancies are listed on our website as in the following formats:
- Word Document
- PDF File
- Audio File
If you would like an informal discussion about a role, interview questions in advance, BSL support or any other consideration, please reach out to info@culturehealthandwellbeing.org.uk
Valuing Lived Experience
CHWA recognises the wealth of expertise by experience in the sector. CHWA’s steering and working groups will always include those with a range of lived experience in various areas. Larger or more targeted pieces of work, such as the CHWA conference, will include specific access and inclusion steering groups. CHWA works with the LENs to ensure the voices of those with lived experience are at the forefront of decisions.
Mental Health Support
We understand that CHWAs work can include areas of complex intersectional thinking, and some topics can be difficult or upsetting. We encourage a boundaried approach to managing your needs and prioritizing doing whatever you need for keeping yourself well. Please see a list of useful resources below.
- Samaritans. To talk about anything that is upsetting you, you can contact Samaritans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call 116 123 (free from any phone), email jo@samaritans.org or visit some branches in person. You can also call the Samaritans Welsh Language Line on 0808 164 0123 (7pm–11pm every day).
- SANEline. If you're experiencing a mental health problem or supporting someone else, you can call SANEline on 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm–10.30pm every day).
- National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK. Offers a supportive listening service to anyone with thoughts of suicide. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK on 0800 689 5652 (6pm to midnight every day).
- Shout. If you would prefer not to talk but want some mental health support, you could text SHOUT to 85258. Shout offers a confidential 24/7 text service providing support if you are in crisis and need immediate help.
- Switchboard. If you identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, you can call Switchboard on 0300 330 0630 (10am–10pm every day), email chris@switchboard.lgbt or use their webchat service. Phone operators all identify as LGBT+.
If you live in England, you can call a local NHS urgent mental health helpline for support during a mental health crisis. Anyone can call these helplines, at any time.
These helplines offer similar support to a crisis team. The NHS website has more information on urgent mental health helplines, including how to find your local helpline.
Please note this is a live document as we are learning and growing in our knowledge fo access. If you have any ideas of how we can improve accessibility or what we need to be thinking about, please write to us at info@culturehealthandwellbeing.org.uk. We aim to reply to all access related enquiries within 7 days, but during busy periods this may take up to 2 weeks.