Accessibility and Inclusion Policy

The Phoenix Movement CIC

Registered Companies House number: 17100456

Policy Statement

The Phoenix Movement CIC is committed to creating safe, welcoming, inclusive and accessible spaces where every individual feels respected, valued and able to participate.

We believe wellbeing support should be accessible to everyone regardless of age, disability, health condition, neurodiversity, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic background or life experience.

We recognise that barriers to participation can be physical, emotional, sensory, financial, social or psychological. We are committed to identifying and reducing those barriers wherever reasonably possible.

Our aim is to ensure that all individuals who engage with our services, events, workshops, programmes and community activities have equal opportunities to participate, contribute and benefit.

Our Commitment

We are committed to:

Treating all individuals with dignity and respect.

Creating environments that promote safety, belonging and inclusion.

Making reasonable adjustments wherever possible.

Listening to participant feedback and continually improving accessibility.

Challenging discrimination, harassment and exclusionary practices.

Supporting participants to engage in ways that feel safe and manageable for them.

Using clear, accessible and inclusive communication.

Understanding Accessibility

Accessibility means recognising that people experience the world differently and may require varying levels of support to participate fully.

This may include, but is not limited to:

Physical disabilities

Chronic illness

Chronic pain conditions

Fibromyalgia

Chronic fatigue

Long-term health conditions

Neurodivergence including ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia

Mental health challenges

Hearing impairments

Visual impairments

Learning difficulties

Sensory sensitivities

Temporary injuries or health conditions

Cultural, language or communication differences

We recognise that accessibility needs can change over time and may vary from day to day.

Supporting Individuals Living With Chronic Conditions

Many members of our community live with chronic pain, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, anxiety, trauma-related symptoms or sensory sensitivities.

We understand that energy levels, comfort and capacity can vary from day to day, and participants are encouraged to honour their body's needs throughout any activity.

Participants are welcome to:

Rest when needed.

Modify activities.

Leave and return to sessions.

Request additional breaks.

Choose their own level of participation.

Access support from facilitators where appropriate.

Participation is always voluntary.

Reasonable Adjustments

We encourage participants to inform us of any accessibility requirements before attending an event or programme.

Reasonable adjustments may include:

Seating adaptations

Additional comfort breaks

Alternative participation methods

Quiet or low-stimulation spaces

Accessible communication formats

Flexible attendance arrangements

Advance access to information

Dietary accommodations where possible

Additional support during activities

We will always seek to accommodate requests where reasonably practicable and within our resources.

Physical Accessibility

When using venues, we will endeavour to provide information regarding:

Step-free access

Accessible toilets

Parking facilities

Public transport access

Seating arrangements

Quiet spaces

Venue layout

Some activities may take place in external venues, retreat settings or outdoor environments where accessibility limitations exist.

Where this is the case, we will communicate any known limitations in advance to help individuals make informed decisions about participation.

Sensory and Emotional Accessibility

Many of our services involve:

Breathwork

Meditation

Guided visualisation

Reflective exercises

Group discussion

Emotional wellbeing practices

We understand that these experiences may affect individuals differently.

Participants are encouraged to:

Participate at their own pace.

Take breaks when needed.

Adapt activities.

Communicate concerns to facilitators.

Choose not to participate in any activity that feels unsuitable.

Our facilitators aim to create environments that are compassionate, trauma-aware and non-judgemental.

Communication Accessibility

We aim to communicate in ways that are clear, respectful and easy to understand.

Where reasonably possible, we will:

Avoid unnecessary jargon.

Provide information in advance.

Offer alternative formats when requested.

Allow opportunities for questions and clarification.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The Phoenix Movement CIC has a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination, harassment or bullying.

We expect all staff, volunteers, facilitators and participants to contribute to an environment that is:

Respectful

Inclusive

Supportive

Non-discriminatory

Any concerns regarding discrimination or exclusion should be reported and will be taken seriously.

Feedback and Continuous Improvement

Accessibility is an ongoing process rather than a fixed standard.

We welcome feedback from participants and actively use this feedback to improve our services, environments and practices.

Responsibility

Responsibility for implementing this policy sits with:

Directors of The Phoenix Movement CIC

Staff members

Volunteers

Facilitators delivering services on behalf of the organisation

Everyone involved with The Phoenix Movement CIC shares responsibility for creating a culture of inclusion and accessibility.

Contact

If you would like to discuss accessibility requirements before attending an event or programme, please contact:

Reanne Murray- The Phoenix Movement CIC

Email:Reanne@fibro2phoenix.com

Telephone: 07581430655

Website:www.Fibro2Phoenix.com

Policy Review Date: 16.06.2026

Next Review Due: 16.06.2027