Lead Chaplain
Rev Andy Ackroyd is our lead chaplain please contact him via email if you have any matters you would like to raise or seek any support in becoming a more accessible disability friendly church.
It is with great pleasure that I have taken on the role of Diocesan Disability Officer at Easter 2025. I am new to Hereford DIocese having spent 27 years in Lichfield. Most of my time in ministry has been spent in rural ministry in multiparish benefices, so I fully understand the nature of ministry in our beautiful rural parishes. I am now Vicar of Madeley in Telford, and am delighted to be involved in an old mining community within walking distance of Ironbridge.
My experience around disability comes from having a 19 year old son with Cerebral Palsy. He is reliant upon a wheelchair so I understand the challenges this brings. As well as his physical disability, Jacob has a hidden disability as well. He is diagnosed with a learning disability. This affects well over 1 million adults but often remains out of public view. I am committed to a wonderful Christian charity that I am involved with called 'Count Everyone in' - who do just what it says on the tin for adults with a learning disability. https://www.counteveryonein.org.uk
I am passionate about making the church accessible for all. We too easily think accessibility is about ramps and disabled toilets (and they are important), but accessibility is way more than that. I would love to come to talk to PCC's, Deanery Synods, Clergy Chapters and any other group that would like to explore how we can offer a church life that is able to 'count everyone in.'
As well as being motivated by all things disability related, I have a back ground in sport. I am a Leeds United and Yorkshire Cricket fan, and still play football weekly.
Dementia Church
Hereford Diocese is working to encourage and support our churches and communities to become more dementia-friendly. You can choose to be a part of that with a few simple steps that may lead to actions that enhance the quality of life and physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing of those people who live with dementia and their carers. For more information on making your church more dementia-friendly or to book a local training course contact Elizabeth Wild.
Deaf Church
Deaf Church is a community of people from across the diocese who worship using BSL (British Sign Language). We come together each month for a service. Anyone is welcome to join us – deaf or hearing. Find out more here.
We know that many deaf people who use British Sign Language (BSL) do not have easy access to ceremonies including baptisms, weddings and funerals. BSL/English interpreters should be used if required in order that they have access and are included in these types of service. For frequently asked questions and interpreters, click here.