Accessibility and Brother Nature

Accessibility at Brother Nature

Access is part of how Brother Nature is designed from the outset.

Wherever we reasonably can, we build access into the structure of the website and residential before anyone has to ask. Our aim is to remove predictable barriers and provide different ways of taking part, so fewer men are singled out, required to explain themselves repeatedly or made to feel that their needs are an exception.

We cannot anticipate or meet every access requirement, but we will listen carefully, be honest about what is possible and work with each man to plan well.

Brother Nature has been shaped by disabled people from the beginning. Our organising team is disabled-led, and we continue to learn from the experiences of the wider community.

Disability and access needs take many forms. They include physical disabilities, being Deaf or hard of hearing, being blind or partially sighted, neurodivergence, chronic illness, fluctuating conditions and mental health conditions.

The phrase “invisible disability” is widely used, but we understand that it often means invisible to a non-disabled person looking from the outside.

A chronic illness, fluctuating condition, pain, fatigue or another disability is never invisible to the person living with it. Over time, its effects may also become clear through the limits, adaptations and decisions that shape everyday life.

We do not assume that somebody has no access needs because we cannot see them. Equally, we do not assume that a man who is visibly disabled wants help or needs another person to decide what is best for him.

We ask, listen and respect each disabled man's autonomy.

Everyone experiences access differently. We are committed to removing barriers wherever we reasonably can without assuming that the same adjustment will work for everybody.

We also see access as something we build together. Alongside the provision we put in place, we ask everyone who attends to help keep the space accessible for the men around them. That might mean keeping shared routes and doorways clear, being mindful with scent, respecting the quiet room or making room for different communication styles in group conversations.

Telling us what you need

We know that describing an access need can be emotionally difficult, physically tiring or practically inaccessible in itself.

You can tell us what you need:

• through the registration form;
• by emailing access@brothernature.co.uk;
• during a phone conversation with us;
• through somebody communicating on your behalf.

You can request a phone call by email or through our Contact page.

Somebody else can help you communicate your needs, provided we are also able to communicate with you directly about your attendance, consent and arrangements for the residential where necessary.

You do not have to disclose a diagnosis when explaining what would help. We are interested in the barrier you face and the adjustment or information you need.

Confidentiality

Information about your health, disability and access needs is kept confidential and handled on a need-to-know basis.

It is held by the person responsible for access planning and the small number of Brother Nature organisers who need the information. Brother Nature is disabled-led, and this information is never shared with other participants.

Where an adjustment requires another person involved in delivery to know something practical, we share only the minimum information needed to put that adjustment in place. Wherever possible, we will discuss this with you first.

We do not share diagnoses, medical histories or personal details with the wider facilitation team, venue staff, caterers or other contributors unless there is a clear reason and you have explicitly agreed.

We may share information without your agreement only where there is an immediate and serious risk of harm, or where the law requires us to do so. Even then, we will share only what is necessary, involve you wherever it is safe and possible, and explain any action as soon as we can.

If you have an access need that is not covered here, or you would like information in a different format, contact access@brothernature.co.uk.

Website accessibility

We aim to meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, WCAG 2.2 Level AA, and to keep improving the accessibility and usability of our website over time.

Skip to content

Every page begins with a “Skip to main content” link. It is the first thing you reach when you begin tabbing through a page, so keyboard and screen-reader users can move directly to the main content.

Keyboard navigation

We have designed the site to be usable with a keyboard alone.

Links, buttons, menus and form fields can be reached and operated using the Tab, Enter and Space keys. A clearly visible focus indicator shows where you are on the page as you move through it.

Navigation menus, including dropdown menus, are designed to open and close without relying on a mouse or hover.

Forms

Every field on our own forms has an associated label, so screen readers can announce what it is for.

Focus states are visible and required fields are identified. Our own forms are designed so that errors are presented in plain language alongside the field they relate to.

Structure and contrast

Pages use headings in a logical order so the structure makes sense when navigating with a screen reader.

We use colour combinations that meet recognised contrast requirements, and text can be resized using your browser controls.

Browser and assistive-technology support

Our website is designed to work with current versions of major browsers and with a range of assistive technologies, including screen readers, keyboard navigation and browser zoom.

Wherever possible, we provide information as web pages rather than downloadable PDFs.

Known limitations

We want to be clear about where the site is not perfect yet.

Some parts of the website use tools from other providers, including our registration form and donation platform. We cannot fully guarantee the accessibility of those services in the same way we can for our own pages.

Decorative illustrations across the site are marked so screen readers skip over them.

If any part of the website gets in your way, please tell us and we will find another way to provide the same information.

Alternative formats

If you need information in another format, such as large print, an accessible Word document or plain text, contact access@brothernature.co.uk.

We will work with you to provide the information in an accessible format.

Residential accessibility

Confidential venue information

To help protect the privacy and safety of everyone attending, we do not publicly share the exact location of the residential before a place is confirmed.

What we can share openly is how the venue works in practice, so you have the information you need to decide whether it may be right for you.

If there is more you would like to know before applying or accepting a place, contact us and we will happily go into more detail.

Getting here

The nearest train station is Gloucester.

We run a complimentary shuttle from the station to the venue, so you do not need to arrange the final part of the journey yourself.

Accessible parking is available on site.

Sleeping arrangements

Most bedrooms sleep two or three men and are en-suite.

There are no single-occupancy rooms available.

There is one larger room for up to six men, with bathroom facilities directly beside it.

There is good Wi-Fi across the site, which may be important if you need to stay in contact with a carer, use health apps or reach support while you are there.

Accessible rooms

Four rooms are set aside for men with access needs, with different levels of step access:

• One step-free, wheelchair-accessible bedroom that sleeps up to three men and has a wet room.
• One room reached by two steps down to its entrance.
• Two rooms reached by three steps down to their entrances.

Accessible rooms are allocated separately from both the general ballot and any reserved-place process, so requesting one will not reduce your chance of receiving a place.

You can tell us that you need an accessible room through the registration form, by emailing access@brothernature.co.uk or by asking us to call you.

These rooms are limited, so it helps to let us know as early as you can.

We will talk through the available room options with you before booking.

Getting around the site

All workshop rooms and shared indoor areas, including the dining areas, are step-free. All facilitated workshops will take place in step-free spaces.

The fire circle and key parts of the outdoor grounds can also be reached without steps.

The wider site is large and includes flat areas, slopes, uneven ground, paths and some steps. Some outdoor routes have noticeable inclines and may be difficult for some people.

If you would like to see the routes, gradients or spaces before deciding, email access@brothernature.co.uk and we can provide photographs and further information.

We design for common access needs in advance and remain attentive to needs that emerge during the residential.

We will not assume that a visibly disabled man wants assistance. If practical support would be useful, we will ask how he wants that support to be offered.

Workshop access

Access is treated as part of workshop design.

Workshop facilitators will be asked to consider different bodies, energy levels, communication styles and ways of taking part. Where possible, workshops will include adaptations or alternative forms of participation.

Every workshop description will explain:

• what participants will be invited to do;
• whether movement is involved;
• whether the session is seated, standing or mixed;
• the expected movement and energy level;
• whether personal reflection or sharing is invited;
• whether touch, partner work or close group interaction may be involved;
• whether clothing may need to be removed or adjusted;
• the likely sound, lighting, scents and sensory environment;
• whether the session is indoors or outdoors;
• how the workshop can be adapted;
• any parts that cannot be adapted;
• whether you can observe without taking part;
• who is leading it;
• anything you need to bring.

You are always free to observe, pause, leave or change your mind.

Activity access

Activities include social, creative, recreational and outdoor parts of the residential.

They vary more widely than workshops. Some may depend on woodland terrain, water, weather, equipment, noise, lighting, touch or physical movement.

We will describe the access conditions relevant to each activity clearly and, where practical, suggest other ways to take part.

Some outdoor, physical and water-based activities may not be adaptable for every person. We will explain those limits clearly before anyone chooses whether to take part.

Everything is optional.

Quiet space

A quiet, low-stimulation room is available throughout the residential for anyone who needs to step away, rest, regulate or spend time alone.

Neurodiversity and sensory access

Some men attending may be autistic, have ADHD, dyslexia, chronic illness, fluctuating conditions or other disabilities that are not immediately apparent to other people.

We will not assume that a man has no access needs because he does not appear disabled.

Workshop and activity information will include relevant details about sound, lighting, scent, touch, movement, group interaction and the physical environment.

If there are adjustments that would help you take part on your own terms, let us know beforehand and we will arrange what we reasonably can.

If you would like more information about the sensory environment before deciding whether to attend, we are happy to share it in advance.

Deaf and communication access

If you are Deaf or hard of hearing, contact us as early as you can so we can talk through what would work for you.

That might include:

• providing key information and the programme in writing;
• making the welcome and safety briefing available in writing;
• choosing seating and room arrangements carefully;
• agreeing how facilitators will communicate important information.

If a BSL interpreter would make the difference, let us know as early as possible and we will look into what may be possible for key parts of the residential.

We would rather have the conversation early and explore the options than have you wonder whether attending is possible.

Carers, personal assistants and assistance dogs

We are still developing our approach to carers, personal assistants and assistance dogs, and we will add clear guidance to this page before applications open.

If this affects whether you can attend, contact us and we will talk it through with you directly in the meantime.

Food and dietary needs

All meals are vegetarian or vegan, freshly cooked and included.

We take dietary requirements seriously, including coeliac disease, allergies, intolerances and autoimmune conditions that affect diet.

We collect detailed information in advance, including cross-contamination requirements, and work with the venue and caterers to plan safely.

Where a requirement needs particular care, we will speak with you directly before your place is confirmed.

Support during the residential

The residential will have a dedicated safeguarding lead, clear safeguarding procedures and a team who care about every man who comes through the door.

If something feels difficult, you can speak to a member of the team. They can listen, help you take a pause, find a quieter space, think through practical options or help you raise a concern.

This is emotional and practical support within the residential. It is not counselling, crisis care, medical treatment or ongoing one-to-one support.

Brother Nature is a facilitated peer-community residential. It is not a therapy programme, medical service or substitute for individual care.

If you have specific access or support needs, contact us beforehand at access@brothernature.co.uk.

We will talk with you honestly about what support is available and whether the residential can meet your needs safely, so we can plan well together.

Some men attending may live with chronic illness, fluctuating conditions or energy-limiting disabilities. If you would benefit from adjustments, additional opportunities to rest or greater flexibility during the residential, let us know in advance and we will arrange what we reasonably can.

We are not able to provide personal care or the specialist support somebody may need during an active mental-health crisis.

We say this to be honest about what the residential can safely hold, so you have the information needed to decide whether this is the right time for you to join us.

If you are unsure, talk to us and we will be clear about what we can and cannot provide.

Health, choice and safety

We will provide clear information in advance about what each workshop and activity involves, so you can decide whether and how you want to take part.

Some workshops and activities may involve physical exertion, emotional reflection, touch, water, outdoor terrain or other forms of challenge. The relevant information will be included in the programme description.

You know your own body and mind best. We ask every man to take part in ways that feel right for his comfort, capacity and physical ability.

You are free to:

• observe without taking part;
• request an adaptation;
• take a break;
• leave a session;
• withdraw consent;
• change your mind at any time.

Please bring and manage any medication you need. Fridge space is available for medication that needs to be kept cool.

A first-aid and emergency-response procedure will be in place. The team may contact emergency services where necessary.

Emergency procedures and venue guidance will be explained during the welcome session at the start of the residential.

COVID-19 and contagious illness

Please stay home if you test positive for, or have symptoms of, a contagious illness.

This helps protect the whole community, particularly disabled and immunocompromised men.

We will review this policy before the residential and communicate any updated health measures in advance.

Accessibility feedback

Accessibility is an ongoing process, and we are always looking for ways to improve both our website and the residential.

If you experience a barrier we have not identified or have suggestions about how we could do better, we would genuinely like to hear from you.

Please contact access@brothernature.co.uk.