Access Information

MediaShed Access Information

The MediaShed's aim is to be as open and accessible as possible, welcoming all. At present the Shed is used flexibly for multiple activities, so the layout changes between events, and the space has a number of physical restrictions. This information is intended to help you plan your visit and decide if you need to contact us beforehand to discuss anything. We will check this information regularly and update it as required. (Last updated 16/5/07).

Getting here

The Shed is situated approximately 10 minutes walk from Southend Victoria station (see 'how to find us' for directions). If you are just dropping in, check the opening times before you visit, as we're not open to the public every day. The Shed is situated on the Grainger Road Industrial Estate; the buildings here were designed as working spaces, not as public spaces, but please don't be put off their lack of polish.

There is no dedicated parking space for the Shed, although it is usually possible to find a parking space nearby. During the week we advise you to park at or near the retail park in Greyhound Way (five minutes walk away) due to day to day work traffic through the Estate. If you need to park outside the Shed, please contact us in advance.

One easy way to get here is by bike, although there are no bike stands where you can lock your cycle. We usually have space for two to three cycles inside the Shed, but be aware this can impact on other people's access and we can't guarantee you a space.

Physical access

The Shed is a one storey building (the upstairs area is used for storage) and there are no steps inside the building in the public areas. The floor does not slope in any part of the building. There is a small step (approximately 4 cm) as you come to the door. The Shed has two sets of double doors as you enter the building; one external double door (double width 1.1 m with a 4 cm doorframe step) and one internal set of fire doors (double width 1.4 m) These are manual, not automatic.

The main area of the shed is approximately 300 square feet, open plan and is used for multiple activities; workshops, events, project development, meetings, etc. This means the internal layout changes according to the activity that is taking place. Whilst this means we can't list precise access details for every type of activity here, it also means we can be flexible about meeting your needs. We can ensure someone is available to assist you during your visit if required.

We have a small kitchen facility which is not fully accessible, and tends to be used by staff (who can make tea and coffee for visitors). There are two toilets in the shed; these are not currently wheelchair accessible, which we hope to remedy in the future.

The Shed is lit with fluorescent strip lighting and there is minimal natural lighting inside. The walls are painted white (as we use the walls as projection screens) but some contrast is given by the posters and pictures on the walls, which change from time to time.

If you work with a support worker or carer, we are of course happy to welcome them too. We have experience of working with sign language interpreters, and with people who do not have English as a first language.

If you work with an assistance dog, (such as a guide dog or hearing dog) we will do our best to make sure your dog is comfortable while you are visiting us. Please let us know if you are bringing a dog as the MediaShed's visiting canine, Sunfat, may need to be taken somewhere else during your visit.

The MediaShed is a member of SAVS, the Southend Association of Voluntary Services who advise and support local, not-for-profit groups. If the MediaShed is not accessible to you, SAVS have more accessible facilities at their premises on Alexandra Street (see www.southendcommunityaction.org.uk)

If you'd like to know more about the physical access arrangements at any specific event, please contact us.

Contacting us

You can leave us a message via the "Contact Us" page or phone us on 01702 460590. The shed does not currently have a text phone, but we are happy to accept calls through Typetalk, or to use e-mail; if you prefer plain text e-mails let us know.

MediaShed newsletter

From Spring 2007 the Shed's newsletter will be produced regularly, giving details about the projects we are working on and events that will take place. If you would like anything other than a standard print copy, please let us know; we can e-mail the newsletter to you as a PDF, RTF document, or plain text. We can also produce a large print text hard copy on request if these other formats are not suitable.

Computers

We have a growing suite of free to use, general purpose computers which are in the main running the Ubuntu operating system and applications. Ubuntu is is a free, open source Linux-based operating system; the assistive tools on Ubuntu include high contrast, magnification and screen synthesis, keyboard modifiers and on-screen keyboard amongst others. For more information see http://www.ubuntu.com/access

As our computer network is developed from donated and recycled hardware, we don't currently have many peripherals to assist access (e.g. adapted mouse or keyboard). We have a variety of office chairs with adjustable height; most have arms.

Please contact us if you have concerns about using the computers at the Shed.

Hanging out

Unless there is a specific event taking place in the main area, there is room (and sofas) to sit and relax, for people to rest or take time out. During drop in times staff are on hand to offer advice or assistance. You can smoke outside the building, but please tidy up your fag ends.

Financial accessibility: we recognise that money and accessibility are connected; our financial accessibility policy is "doesn’t cost much, especially to the people who need it most and can afford it the least". The Shed therefore has a commitment to free and low cost working wherever this is possible. When we charge for an event we try to keep the rates as low as we can.

Young people: Events and projects aimed at young people will be advertised through newsletter and on the site. All staff have experience of working with young people and are police checked to an enhanced level. Our child protection policy is available on request.

How you can help us: if you feel any information is missing from this section or could be more accurate, let us know. We want to develop an access statement which provides the information you need, so your opinion is valuable. ('contact us')