Accessibility remains one of the most significant areas of progress. As of 2025, 82% of churches reported step-free entrances and 73% have accessible toilets, bringing them closer in line with access expectations for public buildings. Hearing loops are now present in nearly two-thirds (65%) of churches, ensuring that worship and events remain open to those with hearing impairments. Yet some gaps remain – only 9% of churches say they have invested in clear visual signage for those with visual impairments, and in rural areas this falls to just 4%, despite an ageing population that may rely more on visual aids.
This progress is important in the wider social context. Approximately one in four people in the UK are classified as disabled, amounting to 16.8 million individuals. Public buildings that fail to provide step-free access, accessible toilets, or disability technology exclude a significant proportion of the population from community life. Churches, by contrast, have demonstrated a strong commitment to inclusion, often achieving accessibility upgrades through local fundraising and volunteer efforts, even in places where statutory obligations do not apply.
Accessibility is not just a matter of compliance – it is an expression of the church’s core mission of welcome. Investment in ramps, toilets, and hearing loops ensures that churches remain open to all, regardless of age or ability. In many cases, these works have also enabled them to respond to local community needs, from hosting baby groups to dementia cafés. By making accessibility a priority, churches are opening their doors wider, seeking everyone in society to have the same opportunities to experience what they offer.
