Making churches more inclusive this Disability Pride Month

Photo by CDC on Unsplash

Source: Benefact Trust

Benefact Trust, one of the UK's largest grant-making charities, has launched its latest podcast episode to mark Disability Pride Month. Joined by Christian disability charity, Through the Roof, the podcast explores what challenges people with disabilities face in the UK, and how churches can take a leading role in modelling good accessibility and inclusion.

A quarter of the UK population is disabled and yet disabled people still face huge barriers in society. Whether that be physical barriers, attitudinal challenges, or lack of representation. Through the Roof is looking to transform the lives of disabled people by breaking down these barriers.

According to Through the Roof, 66% of churches say they need ideas about how to include disabled people in church activities. Benefact Trust is supporting the charity's 'Roofbreaker' project, which is equipping and empowering churches to be more inclusive through its growing network of over 650 Roofbreaker disability champions.

Katie Mobbs (Roofbreaker Team Leader and Co-ordinator for Wales, West and SW England) and Amanda Say (Roofbreaker in Cwmbran) are both disabled people with very different experiences of disability. Katie was born with cerebral palsy, whereas Amanda acquired her disability as a result of an accident in her 30s. They use their unique experiences to educate and inspire churches to be welcoming spaces, where all people can belong. In this podcast episode, they discuss ways in which churches can make small changes to be more inclusive and why it's so important to value everyone.

Amanda Say, Roofbreaker, says: "The church can really do something unique by valuing people and allowing them to explore and share their gifts - something we can bring into the rest on the world. We're all part of one body and every part matters. It's so much richer when everybody is encouraged, supported, and made to feel like they belong."

The 'Beyond Funding' podcast sets to offer tips and advice to churches, Christian charities and those looking for funding, as well as opening-up conversations about major social issues with beneficiaries and experts.

'Disability inclusion: how to break down barriers in your church' can be watched and listened on:

YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLGZaSHfSaA

and Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5c54R6UFUHuZSzufoq4e2V

FURTHER LINKS

Benefact Trust: www.benefacttrust.co.uk

Through the Roof: https://throughtheroof.org