Facilities at Grayswood Village Hall for disabled visitors

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We extend a special welcome to our disabled visitors. We aim to ensure that nothing will prevent you from using the hall to the full, and hope that both the design and layout of the hall and the facilities we provide make for an easy and enjoyable visit.

We are pleased to say that the hall is step free, with the exception of the flight of stairs leading from the vestible to the upper floor, which is equipped with a computer-controlled stair lift.

There is a level drop-off point and turning circle immediately outside the front door, with priority parking spaces for blue badge holders.

An accessible WC is located in the entrance vestibule. The WC and washbasin are adapted for use by mobility impaired visitors, with plenty of grab rails, and large, easy-grip controls. A trayless shower also means that visitors with disabilities participating in any sporting or physical activity at the hall can use this facility as a fully equipped changing room too. There is also a flip-down baby-changing table in this room.

Double doors to the main hall from the vestibule and outside to the terrace, from the hall provide wide and level access.

We have recently installed a state-of-the-art stair lift to convey you to the upper floor, with comfort and ease, if your impairment precludes you from using the stairs. For reasons of space, the stair lift is of the moving seat type, so if you are a wheelchair user, you will need to transfer to the seat and have someone carry your chair up the stairs for you to use at the top. The lift seat swivels at the top to make it easier for you to get on and off. The lift is simple to operate, with a large control key that inserts into the armrest.

The stair lift is operated by a key, which the organiser of your event will have. If there are several visitors in your party wishing to use the stairlift, please allow some extra time as each transit of the chair does take a few minutes.

If you have a visual impairment, you should find the simple layout with straight lines of access to the main hall, the absence of steps or other obstructions and general spaciousness of the place make it safe and easy for your to find your way around.

If you are partially sighted, we hope the bright and contrasting colours used in the hall should be a help when finding your way around

Here are some key directions to help you find your way about.

When you come in through the main entrance, the vestibule runs straight ahead into the main hall.

• The first door on the left is the Ladies' toilets and changing rooms/cloakrooms. However, we suggest you will find the accessible WC more convenient.
• After this door, the wall is interruped by a small alcove.
• After the alcove, the second door on the left opens outwards and is to the accessible WC. The WC is on the back wall, opposite the door. The washbasin on the right hand wall, near the door.
• The third door on the left leads to the kitchen, via a corridor. From this corridor, a door on the right leads into the kitchen.
• The fourth door, which is straight ahead, is a double door opening towards you, and leads directly into the main hall.
• The first door on the right leads to the Gentlemen's toilets and changing rooms/cloakrooms.
• The second door on the right is the cleaner's cupboard and is locked.
• After this, on the right, is a staircase leading up to the Oonagh Jeffrey Room.

Inside the main hall, the principal features are:

• To the left near the way in, a hatch with a counter at waist height into the kitchen.
• Half way along the right wall, double doors out onto the terrace, with a slightly raised area of doormatting in front of the doors.
• From within the hall, the WC is back through the entrance, and is the second door on the right, which opens out.

If your event is in the Oonagh Jeffery Room, make your way to the stairs, which are at the end of the vestibule on the right. These consists of two half flights with a level landing. If walking up, there is a handrail on the right. Turn right at the top of the first flight on to the landing, and right again for the second flight. A short landing at the top and a door straight ahead leads directly into the Oonagh Jeffrey Room. There are no other steps in the building than these two flights up to the Oonagh Jeffrey Room.

Because hirers and user groups often set out chairs and tables in the halls in various configurations, we recommend you ask for guidance from your event organiser once you enter the Main Hall or Oonagh Jeffrey Room.

Finally, a first aid kit is kept in both kitchens. The cupboard door is marked with a green cross symbol. It also contains information about where the nearest source of medical help is to be found. Please ask for any assistance. There is also a telephone in the main hall kitchen, in the cupboard above the microwave which can be used to make local or emergency calls.

We are always open to suggestions as to how we can improve the experience for any disabled visitors. Please telephone the booking line on 01428 643859 or write to us at Grayswood Village Hall, Grayswood Road, Haslemere, GU27 2DJ.