The Field Guide - Session Two: Everybody’s Welcome

Designing spaces, events and projects that people can genuinely access

What is it?

This day is about welcome, inclusion and participation.
It explores the difference between saying “everyone is welcome” and actually designing spaces, projects and events where more people feel able to show up, take part and belong.

Using the Field Guide’s Access Audit and related tools, participants will look at the visible and invisible barriers that stop people engaging, including cost, confidence, representation, physical access, social anxiety and unclear invitations.

Who is it for?

This day is for:

• Venues, libraries and community spaces 
• Event organisers and festival teams 
• Cultural organisations 
• Community centres and village halls 
• Councils and public engagement teams 
• Health, wellbeing and social prescribing projects 
• Charities and voluntary groups 
• Anyone responsible for making spaces or activities more inclusive 

What will we cover?

• Why “open to all” is not the same as accessible 
• The four key barriers: financial, physical, psychological and cultural 
• How to design a better welcome before, during and after an event 
• How to reduce anxiety and uncertainty for first-time participants 
• How to think about representation without tokenism 
• How to create clear boundaries and safer spaces 
• How to ask, listen and adapt without becoming overwhelmed 

What will you take away?

Participants will leave with:

• A completed Access Audit for one of their own spaces, events or projects 
• A practical inclusion action plan 
• Ideas for improving welcome, signage, pricing, communication and participation 
• A clearer understanding of who is not yet in the room 
• Simple tools for starting conversations about inclusion with teams and boards 
• Confidence to make small, practical changes that improve access