MOBILISE ACCESSIBILTY INFORMATION
MOBILISE has been created in consultation with LGBTQ+ communities, and particularly those from disabled, fat, trans, and PoC communities.
The events have been co-created by a team of artists from those communities including a number of disabled artists, and supported by an LGBTQ+ Community and Accessibilty Steering Group.
Whilst our team has a range of experiences of disabilty and barriers to access, we recognise that there will still be areas we can improve our support and make changes. We understand that there is no such thing as a fully accessible space, but it is our sincere aim to make our events as accessible as possible and will do whatever is in our power and resource to ensure we make changes and take steps to give as many people as possible the chance to attend and enjoy our events.
if you have any questions, comments, feedback, or suggestions please contact us by emailing hello@fattprojects.org and we’ll get back to you asap.
STEP FREE ACCESS THROUGHOUT:
This is an easy one, our home venue ‘The Exchange’ has been recently refurbished and includes step free access throughout. There is ramp access at the front of the building suitable for modified and electric mobility chairs, and all spaces used are on the ground floor.
ACCESSIBLE ALL GENDER BATHROOMS:
Accessible bathrooms are available throughout the building and are clearly signposted. The Exchange also has a Changing Places Toilet on the Basement Level (where all the old bank vaults were) this can be easily accessed by a lift.
SEATING:
This is a dance party where you can sit down whenever you want, the venue is full of different comfortable seating options including chairs, tables, stools, and sofas. Your headphones mean you can still dance in your chairs if desired, so you never have to choose between hearing the music and resting.
There will also be some tables with craft activities (eg. DIY pronoun badge making) for anyone who wants to take a break from the music.
SOBER EVENT:
MOBILISE Queer Power Parties are sober events. This means the parties are alcohol and drug free events.
Audiences will not be permitted to bring alcohol or substances into the venue. A fabulous sober cash bar will be in operation with a range of soft-drinks, mocktails, and snacks. Anyone who is found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs may be asked to leave the venue (we will do everything possible to ensure you get home safely).
Our parties finish at midnight, and the Gay Village is only 10 minutes walk away from our venue - so we’d encourage anyone who wants to drink to head on to one of the city’s many bars afterwards.
PLASTIC BENDY STRAWS:
Yes, we will have plastic bendy straws available at the bar for anyone who needs them! We recognise that for many people with disabilities the paper and metal options are not suitable and can cause injury.
TRAVEL FUND:
*Please note we are unable to offer bursaries for the party on Sat 2nd March 2024.
For each MOBILISE Party there is a limited number of cash travel bursaries available to support anyone for whom finance is a barrier to attend the parties to cover travel costs, this includes people with mobility restrictions, financial limitations, and trans & gender non-conforming people who may not feel safe to use public transport. For more info and to apply for a bursary click here.
DRESSING SPACES:
We recognise that many LGBTQ+ people do not feel safe to present in visibly queer ways when travelling to and from events. The venue has a single use private changing/dressing space, we will also have a glitter artist available, and local independent makers selling their jewellery/costume items etc. and encourage audiences to use the tables and seating areas in the main space to dress, accessorise, make-up, de-robe, and generally glamorise.
QUIET SPACE:
A dedicated quiet/chill space is available for the duration of the event, this is in a separate room immediately off the dance floor. The space will include softer lighting, galaxy lamps, fidget toys, blankets and soft furnishings.
MOBILISERS ON SITE TO SUPPORT:
At each event we will have a small team of ‘MOBILISERS’ on site available to support anyone who needs it. They can provide information about the venue, directions, assist with headphones, and are also a first point of contact for any accessibility issues, security concerns, or if someone needs mental or physical first aid. One MOBILISER will always be available at the welcome/headphones desk and others will move through the party checking in on anyone who may be in need.
They will be clearly marked out by wearing light up LED cloaks (living their best Bob Mackie fantasy).
MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AIDER:
In addition to a physical health first aider, we will also have a dedicated mental health first aider available on site throughout the evening for anyone who is struggling in the evening. This person will always be from the LGBTQ+ community, and will provide judgement free support to anyone in crisis.
USING THE HEADPHONES:
MOBILISE is a silent disco, this means the party is experienced by the audience wearing wireless headphones. This will allow audiences the freedom to set their own volume levels, immediately turn off the music if desired, and give a choice between listening options. Our research shows that wearing headphones allows audiences to lower their inhibitions and self-awareness, which can lead to improved self-confidence and a feeling of ‘letting yourself go’.
At each party we will have 2 audio channels available throughout:
1) music from the DJ with live audio from the hosts and performers periodically.
2) ambient relaxing soundtrack, for anyone who might be overstimulated.
Staff will be on hand to assist anyone who requires support with using the headphones, instructions will also be available on cards and posters as well as verbally.
We also have a limited number of wireless receiver packs which you can plug your own headphones or accessories into (via a standard aux/headphone input), these will be available on a first come, first served basis.
HEARING IMPAIRED AUDIENCES:
This is a music focused event, we understand that this may not be accessible to all hearing impaired audiences. The wireless headphones will allow you to adjust the volume levels to your personal preferences, and our research has shown that many deaf/hearing impaired audiences have really positive experiences using silent disco equipment.
We will have a number of silent disco receiver packs which will allow you to connect your own headphones or hearing equipment to them through a standard aux adaptor (headphone cable).
Our events will be BSL interpreted, and we are committed to exploring other ways we can make this event more accessible to hearing impaired audiences. If you wish to discuss this further or have any suggestions please send an email to hello@fattprojects.org
COVID-19:
All MOBILISE Staff will prove negative covid status via LFT before the event starts, any team who test positive will not work the event. We actively encourage everyone attending the events to be vaccinated (where possible), and to take an LFT (if they are able to access them) before coming to the event. If you have any symptoms of covid or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive in the last 48 hours we ask you not to come.
Hand sanitiser and masks will be available for audiences throughout. Additional fans have been put in place around the dance floor to increase airflow.
We recognise that not everyone is able to wear a mask or receive a vaccine as such these are optional, but encouraged.