Everyone Belongs at Hackney Shed

Hackney Shed uses a person-centred approach to removing barriers to accessing the arts. Barriers may be due to finance, Disability, systemic inequality, language or communication barriers, immigration status or any other access need.   

We are a group that is open to everyone however we are committed to actively recruiting and fore-fronting the talents of Disabled young people.  

Hackney Shed strives to be accessible through providing: 

  • Easy read versions of policies 

  • Visual guides to spaces/ activities  

  • Providing scripts in different formats such as visual, audio recorded, large print 

  • Working with skilled staff and providing ongoing training for staff and volunteers 

  • Providing objects in the room to support access such as ear defenders, fidget toys, visual timetables] 

  • Working with individual members to support their needs (one size does not fit all) 

  • Choosing our spaces carefully with access in mind (both thinking about step free and also access to break out spaces for example) 

  • High ratios of staff to young people 

  • Working with young people over a long period of time, there is no rush for young people to join in a typical way if they need to work towards it 

  • Working with the groups to build a culture of inclusion and valuing the contribution of everyone at Hackney Shed 

  • Having free or donation based sessions 

  • Supporting with travel or transport when that is a barrier to attending sessions 

  • Providing outreach sessions where we go to locations (groups, school, organisations) where the young people wouldn't be able to attend our general sessions 

  • Recruiting staff and volunteers that are representative of the young people who attend our sessions 

  • Access riders for staff and volunteers 

  • Committed to using everyone’s preferred names and pronouns 

““Hackney Shed was the first place my child felt able to request that his preferred name and pronouns be used.””
— Parent

Documents

Easy read versions of policies 

Visual guides to different spaces 

Our visual guides to ct/yt 

Examples of a visual script 

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR CURRENT PROJECTS

What People Say About Hackney Shed

Testimonials

It's non competitive and encourages cooperation, collaboration and celebration of people's differing strengths.

Hackney Shed doesn't just support children and young people the benefits spill over to parents and carers too, especially around well being, knowing the 'shed' members are being well catered for.

“Hackney Shed provides a unique service to communities across Hackney which is financially accessible (unlike others). It's format is vital in respect of social cohesion and providing space for the development of young people in a way which is non judgemental and inclusive”

A really fun drama space where you could feel safe and comfortable expressing ideas. I've met so many cool people I wouldn't have without this.

Hackney Shed is a marvellous, shining example of genuine, meaningful inclusion.

“It is a rare and valuable opportunity to meet and make friends, socialise, develop his independence and feel rightly proud of himself”

“Hackney Shed is great and continues to wow - great for kids and parents.”

“Great energy. Inclusive for all. Creative teaching which allows children/young people opportunities to gain confidence”

"The best thing is that we have a proper theatre, with lights and costumes and musicians and everything, so when we do a show it feels like a real show, not just kids.”

"Hackney Shed enriches my child's life on so many levels. She is not only learning theatre skills, but so much more. She is learning about community and co-operation, and is gaining in confidence and self-worth."

"As a parent with a child with special needs I value the inclusivity over and above everything. This is from the point of view both of how good it is for him to feel included and valued but also from the point of view of my other two children who are able to see him and others with special needs being on an equal footing."

"We have been Hackney residents for nearly 20 years and have been very proud to find such an excellent opportunity for all children right on our doorstep."