What if they feel there are real obstacles to their involvement?

Here are some things you can consider to overcome this barrier:

Is your venue close to public transport, in a well-lit area, and somewhere that your target groups feel comfortable and safe?
Can people using wheelchairs or buggies, or those who find stairs or heavy doors difficult, use your venue?
Can your target groups afford to use your services?
Do your target groups have particular communication needs, such as a community language, a signer or an induction loop?
Do you need to plan your services around school holidays, religious festivals or offer some activities outside office hours?
Do people need support with caring responsibilities, for children or for older or disabled family members?
Do you need to take dietary needs into account because of religious, cultural or health reasons or because people are vegetarian?
If people from your target groups came into your premises or to your events, would they feel welcome and comfortable?
Do you need to find ways of giving your target groups more say in how your organisation is run?



A pre-school play group was keen to ensure it attracted and catered for children with disabilities. It also wanted to provide play opportunities that encouraged all of the children to mix well. Through discussions with a local disability organisation and the parents of disabled children, it was able to develop a programme of activities that catered for disabled and non-disabled children. The programme considered the likes and dislikes of each child and their particular support needs. One of the key learning points for the group was that it needed to adopt a less structured approach and have enough staff, lots of small activities and play equipment set up already and flexibility in what it did.

Big Lottery Fund