Medway Heritage Place project

Access in Heritage programme

Our Access in Heritage programme is about making the heritage sector more inclusive and accessible.

The programme will support a cohort of up to 6 Medway based heritage organisations to improve access for visitors, staff and volunteers who are:

  • deaf
  • disabled
  • neurodivergent
  • living with long-term physical or mental health conditions.

The 6 chosen organisations will be supported by Direct Access Consultancy Ltd, who are delivering the programme on behalf of Medway Heritage Place.

By taking part in the programme, you'll be contributing to making Medway's heritage welcoming and accessible to everyone.

Find out:

What's involved

Access and inclusion in heritage workshop

This training session is delivered by consultants with professional and lived experience. It covers:

  • why accessibility matters in heritage
  • understanding disability and accessibility
  • practical accessibility in heritage settings
  • sensory, cognitive, and emotional considerations
  • communication and digital access
  • case studies.

You’ll leave with the knowledge and skills to improve the overall experience for all visitors, staff, and volunteers.

After the workshop, Direct Access Consultancy Ltd will offer resources to download and will be available to answer any questions you might have.

Successful applicants who have not been able to attend the in-person session will be offered an opportunity to attend the online workshop.

To be accepted onto the cohort you must attend one session.

Workshop details

This workshop takes place on Tuesday 16 June 2026.

Book a place on the access and inclusion in heritage workshop.

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Best practice case study day trip

You’ll join an accessibility consultant from Direct Access Ltd for a guided learning tour.

The case study day trip is an opportunity to discuss:

  • potential barriers to access and how they can be overcome
  • best practice in heritage settings
  • how to build confidence when planning future projects.

The date of the case study day trip is still to be confirmed.

Accessibility audit

You'll receive a tailored accessibility audit. This will be designed to reflect the scale and nature of your heritage offer.

The audit will review the full visitor and volunteer experience. This includes:

  • access to the site or route
  • ease of movement and navigation
  • clarity of information and interpretation
  • sensory or environmental factors such as lighting, sound, and comfort.

For activity-based projects, this will also include:

  • route accessibility
  • communication methods
  • pacing
  • overall participant experience.

The audit involves a site visit or observed activity, alongside a discussion with your team to understand your current approach, challenges, and priorities.

You will receive a clear, practical report that:

  • highlights existing good practice
  • identifies realistic, cost-effective improvements
  • sets out prioritised actions, from quick wins to longer-term changes.

Accessibility audits will take place between Tuesday 21 July and Friday 24 July 2026.

Creating an access guide

After your accessibility audit, each cohort member will be supported to create an access guide for their venue or heritage organisation.

This guide can be shared with staff, volunteers, and visitors to communicate the accessibility of your offer and help people plan their visit with confidence.

We'll be offering support to create your access guide in August 2026.

Access improvement grant

You'll be given a grant of £500 to use on quick accessibility improvements.

Examples of quick improvements include:

  • adjusting the layout of displays to allow turning space for wheelchairs
  • repositioning signage or displays at accessible heights
  • adding high-contrast edging to steps or thresholds
  • supplying a portable induction loop for guided talks or ticketing
  • introducing a simple sensory pack or communication cards for visitors 
  • enhancing pre-visit information.

You'll receive your grant between August and September 2026.

Who can apply

We're looking for a diverse range of heritage organisations to take part. This includes:

  • heritage sites and historic buildings
  • museums and collections
  • vessels and maritime heritage
  • walking tours and trails
  • re-enactment groups
  • community-led projects.

This is an opportunity for organisations at all stages of their accessibility journey.

You do not need prior experience. All you need is a willingness to learn and make meaningful improvements.

By taking part, your organisation will:

  • build confidence in accessibility and inclusive practice
  • gain practical tools and knowledge tailored to its setting
  • take part in an access audit and work with a specialist to identify improvements
  • deliver a funded accessibility improvement
  • develop and share an accessibility guide for its offer
  • engage with programme learning and contribute to evaluation
  • strengthen its offer while helping shape a more inclusive heritage sector in Medway.

How to apply

Download our application form for the Access in Heritage programme.

Send your completed form to heritageplace@medway.gov.uk by midnight on Thursday 25  June 2026.

Please include 'access in heritage cohort' in the subject line of your email.