We want choir life to feel clear, welcoming and stress free. This page brings all our policies together in one place so you always know where to find information about accessibility, safety, data protection and how we work as a community.
Each policy is written to support a choir that is friendly, inclusive and well organised. If you ever have questions, please contact us and we will be happy to help.
Below you will find:
Our Policies
Access Statement
We want everyone to feel welcome, comfortable, and fully included at Prestwich Community Choir. This Access Statement explains what you can expect from our rehearsal space, our events, and our communication.
Prestwich Community Choir is run as a small business by the Choir Director, Stef. Our inclusive, community first ethos remains the same. If you have access needs, questions, or suggestions, we are always happy to chat and explore adjustments together.
About our rehearsal venue
We rehearse every Monday evening during school term time at The Heys School, Heys Road, Prestwich M25 1JZ. We rehearse in one of two spaces, depending on availability.
The Theatre
The theatre is a large space with light grey walls and floor. There are no windows and the space is lit with bright overhead lighting. There is a large flat, level stage area with dark stage curtains which can be drawn. Fire exit doors in the room can be opened for ventilation. Heating is provided in colder months.
The Canteen
The canteen is a large room with blue and white walls. Seating is on hard plastic chairs, with overhead lighting. An accessible toilet is provided just outside the space.
Accessing the space
Arrival and entrance
Our doors open for members at 7.15pm.
The Theatre access is via the main entrance through the school and an approx. 200 metre walk, including a small staircase of four steps along the way.
The canteen is approximately a 150 metre walk from the main entrance, across the school yard. There are four steps in and out of the canteen.
Step free access is available via an alternative side entrance, which uses a route outside the main building on flat ground. If you require step free access, or any assistance on arrival, please contact us in advance so we can ensure it is unlocked and someone is available to meet you.
Check in
Members check in using the ChoirMate app. At taster sessions, the team will support you to get signed in and settled.
New Member Buddies
We assign a new member buddy to you at your first session to support you to settle in.
Leaving the venue
Rehearsals run from 7.30pm to 9.00pm and we must vacate the building promptly. All members and vehicles need to be off site by 9.15pm.
Parking
Free parking is available on site, with ample spaces.
Public transport
Our rehearsal venue is around a 7 minute walk from Prestwich Metrolink station (which has ramp access). Buses 90 and 94 stop opposite the school. Buses 135, 894, 895 and 900 stop at the junction of Heywood Road and Bury Old Road (around a 12 minute walk). Buses 66, 90, 94, 95, 97 and 98 stop in Prestwich Village along Bury New Road (around a 10 minute walk). Please check the Bee Network for the most up to date routes and times.
Online accessibility and communication
We use an app called ChoirMate for most choir communication. ChoirMate is available on smartphones and via a web browser. Lyrics, sheet music, and practice recordings are also shared via ChoirMate. If you need support accessing ChoirMate, or you require information in an alternative format, please let us know and we will help.
Seating and standing.
Seating is provided in the rehearsal room. In the theatre, seating is tiered bench seating in rows. The front row is accessible without steps. The benches have a cushioned fabric back and seat. In the canteen, seating is on hard plastic chairs, chairs are moveable to suit where you need to sit.
If the standard seating is unsuitable for your needs, please contact us in advance so we can explore alternative seating options. We typically alternate between standing and sitting during rehearsals, and you are welcome to stand or sit as needed throughout the session.
Assistance and support
If you have any accessibility needs, we encourage you to contact us before attending a rehearsal, social activity, or performance so we can discuss how best to support you. You are also welcome to update us if your access or communication needs change.
Carers and personal assistants are welcome free of charge
Assistance dogs are welcome
Facilities
Our facilities include:
Male, female, and accessible toilets located in the main school reception and near the rehearsal spaces
Step free access via the side entrance, by arrangement in advance
Neurodivergent accessibility
We aim to create a welcoming environment for neurodivergent members. You are welcome to bring items that help you feel comfortable (for example fidget toys, earplugs, or sunglasses). You are welcome to take breaks outside the room as needed. If you have sensory sensitivities or specific communication needs, please let us know so we can try to make appropriate adjustments.
What happens at rehearsal
Participation is always optional. Rehearsals generally follow this structure:
Welcome and announcements
Warm up led by our Musical Director
First half: learning and practising songs (music reading not required)
Break: around 10 minutes
Sing along song (a familiar song, different each week)
Second half: more rehearsal and run throughs
Performances and social events
We are committed to making performances and planned social events as inclusive as possible. We consider physical access, cost, transport, sensory factors, and dietary options. We provide accessibility information for venues where available, and we rely on venues to provide accurate details.
Participation in all events and performances is always optional. While we aim for maximum inclusion, we recognise it is not always possible to meet every access need at every event. We offer a range of events and performances across the year to help as many people as possible take part.
Feedback
We are committed to continually improving accessibility. Please share feedback, suggestions, or concerns by contacting us via email.
Conclusion
Prestwich Community Choir is dedicated to creating an inclusive and accessible environment for all. Please contact us before attending if you have any questions or access requirements. We look forward to welcoming you.
Member Code
Introduction
Our choir is built on kindness, respect and inclusion. This friendly guide sets out how we look after one another, how we approach rehearsals and performances and how we create the warm, welcoming atmosphere we are proud of. Every member agrees to follow this code when joining us.
Our aims and purpose
Prestwich Community Choir is a friendly, inclusive, adult community choir and everyone is welcome to join. We focus on fun, friendship and feeling good, with regular socials so we can get to know one another outside of rehearsals.
Discrimination
We will not discriminate on the basis of ethnicity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, income, disability, religious or political belief, marital status or age. As an no audition choir we don’t discriminate on the basis of education, musical education, or experience. If you do feel that a member of the choir is discriminating against you, please let them know as a first port of call, if you feel comfortable to do so. If not, please speak with our Choir Director. This will result in a discussion in the first instance and then if the behaviour continues, you will be asked to leave the choir.
Unwelcome behaviour
Members should treat one another with respect. Prestwich Community Choir is an inclusive environment and we will not tolerate any behaviour that is deemed to be harassment, bullying or discrimination in any form.
This includes:
● Offensive comments related to gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, race, religion or socio-economic background.
● Deliberate intimidation.
● Stalking or following.
● Inappropriate or unwanted physical contact.
● Unwelcome sexual attention.
● Inappropriate or unrequested photography or recording.
● Lack of respect for personal space.
● Any other action that makes someone uncomfortable.
Getting the most out of choir
We are community focused. That means everyone has a role to play in shaping everyone’s experience of being part of our choir. Here are a few ways you can help to make choir a positive experience for everyone.
Punctuality
Our doors open at 7.15pm. Please try to arrive before our start time of 7.30pm. If you do arrive late, please enter quietly and minimise disruption.
Commitment to rehearsals
While you’re free to attend whenever you wish without pressure to commit, you’ll get the most out of our choir if you attend rehearsals regularly. You don’t need to let us know about one off absences or holidays.
Commitment to performances
Performances are an important part of our choir. They help us get involved in our local community, spread the word about joining, and give us a chance to celebrate all the hard work we have put in. Performances are completely optional, but if you choose to take part we do ask for a certain level of commitment. This includes learning and practising your part so you feel confident for the performance, attending rehearsals where possible in the lead up, and letting us know by the deadline if you will be taking part so we can plan safely and fairly.
Responsibility
Everyone is responsible for creating a welcoming, safe environment for all our members. We have a responsibility to each other to attend rehearsals, know our parts and stay aware of rehearsal and performance schedules and requirements.
Attentiveness
Listening is probably the most important aspect of singing. It allows you to hear whether you’re getting the notes right, it helps you stay in time and blend better as a unit. Please pay attention to our Musical Director as much as possible and avoid talking when they or other members need to be heard. This includes minimising interruptions and if possible leaving questions until the break.
Support
Please be supportive and patient with newer members, or those who are less confident. And be supportive of yourself too; trust yourself to take on new challenges and give it a go, knowing you’re in a safe, supportive environment. If you ever need help, please ask a fellow choir or team member.
Fees Policy
If anything on this page conflicts with our Membership Terms and Conditions, the Membership Terms and Conditions take priority.
Membership Fees
New member taster: £7 per taster session.
Monthly membership: £28 per month (paid monthly in advance).
You can cancel at any time. Your membership remains active until the end of your current paid month. Partial months are not refunded.
What membership includes
Weekly rehearsals during school term time.
Access to ChoirMate and choir resources while your membership is active.
Access to planned social events and performance opportunities while your membership is active.
Fee reviews
Membership fees are reviewed every 6 months. If we need to make a change, we will communicate clearly and give notice in advance.
Missed sessions and cancellations
Membership fees are non refundable once paid. If you miss a session for any reason, your membership payment stays the same.
If we ever have to cancel a rehearsal as a one off, we will aim to offer an alternative session where reasonably possible. Membership fees are not refunded for individual cancelled sessions.
Missed payments
If a payment is missed, you will be notified by email and you have 10 days to resolve it. If it is not resolved within 10 days, your membership will be cancelled and you will lose access to ChoirMate, rehearsals, and member activities. You are welcome to re join via a taster session, subject to space.
Reduced fee memberships
We offer a limited number of reduced fee memberships at a discretionary reduced rate. The discount offered may vary but will be no more than 50% of the current membership fee. Reduced fee places are offered at the discretion of the Choir Director and are reviewed occasionally. If you would like to request a reduced fee place, please contact us.
Carers
If you need to bring a personal assistant or carer to support your participation, they can attend with you free of charge.
Safeguarding Statement
Prestwich Community Choir is committed to creating a safe, welcoming and supportive environment for everyone who takes part in our activities. We believe every person has the right to feel safe from harm, abuse and exploitation, and we take all concerns seriously.
Our safeguarding approach follows clear procedures for recognising, responding to and reporting concerns. If a member, volunteer or visitor ever feels worried about their own safety or someone else’s, they can speak to a designated choir lead in confidence and we will take appropriate steps to help.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and we work together with care, respect and integrity to keep our community safe.
Our full safeguarding policy and procedure is available upon request.
Privacy Notice
Prestwich Community Choir is committed to protecting your privacy. This notice explains what personal information we collect, how we use it, and your rights under UK data protection law.
If you have any questions, you can contact us and we will be happy to help.
Who we are
Prestwich Community Choir is an adult community choir based in Prestwich, Manchester. For the purposes of data protection law, we act as the data controller for the personal information we collect and manage.
What information we collect
We only collect the information we need to run the choir safely and effectively. This may include:
• Your name
• Contact details such as email address and phone number
• Emergency contact information (optional)
• Your attendance at rehearsals or events
• Payment records for choir fees and tasters
• Any access needs or adjustments you choose to share with us
• Communication you send to us via email, forms or the choir app
We do not collect more information than we need.
How we use your information
We use your information for the following purposes:
• Managing your membership and attendance
• Contacting you with choir updates
• Organising rehearsals, performances and social events
• Managing payments
• Providing support, adjustments or accessibility arrangements
• Ensuring safety and wellbeing at choir activities
• Keeping records required for running the choir responsibly
We do not use your information for marketing outside the choir and we do not sell your information to anyone.
Legal basis for using your information
We process your information under one or more of the following grounds:
• Your consent
• Our legitimate interests in running a safe, organised community choir
• Compliance with legal or safeguarding obligations
You can withdraw your consent at any time by contacting us.
How long we keep your information
We keep your information only for as long as necessary for choir activities and legal obligations. If your membership subscription ends or is cancelled, we will keep your personal data only as long as necessary for administrative, legal, or safeguarding reasons. After that, we will securely delete or anonymise it. We may retain payment and accounting records for as long as required by law.
How we store your information
Your information is stored securely and only accessible to authorised choir team members who need it to carry out their role.
We use reputable third party platforms to manage communication, payments or forms where needed. These services have their own privacy policies and security practices which you can review at any time.
We take reasonable steps to ensure your data is kept safe.
Sharing your information
We do not share your information with outside organisations unless:
• you give us permission
• it is required for safeguarding or legal reasons
• it is necessary to deliver essential choir services (for example, using a secure payment processor)
We never sell your information.
Your rights
Under UK GDPR you have the right to:
• Access your personal information
• Ask us to correct inaccurate information
• Request deletion of your information
• Request we limit how your information is used
• Object to certain types of processing
• Withdraw consent at any time
To exercise any of these rights, just contact us.
Updates to this notice
We may update this notice from time to time. The current version will always be available on our website.
Contact
If you have any questions about this Privacy Notice or how we handle your data, please contact us and we will be happy to help.
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Squarespace places some cookies automatically to make the site work properly. We also use basic analytics cookies to help us see which pages are visited most and how people find us. This helps us improve the website over time.
Types of cookies we use
Essential cookies
These are needed for the site to function. They help with things like page loading, security and allowing you to use features such as form submissions. You cannot turn these off because the site would not work correctly without them.
Analytics cookies
These help us understand how visitors use the site such as which pages are popular or how long people stay on a page. The information is anonymous and cannot be used to identify you.
We do not use cookies for advertising and we do not track you across other websites.
Cookie consent banner
When you first visit our website you will see a cookie banner. This banner lets you
• accept cookies
• decline non essential cookies
• manage your cookie choices
You can also control cookies at any time through your own browser settings.
Managing or disabling cookies
You can delete or block cookies through your browser. Each browser has its own settings and help pages that explain how to do this. If you choose to block cookies, some parts of the site may not work as intended.
Personal data
We do not collect personal information through cookies and we do not share cookie data with third parties.
For more information about how we handle your personal data, please see our Privacy Notice above.
Questions
If you have any questions about how we use cookies, please contact us and we will be happy to help.
Cookie Policy
Membership Terms & Conditions
These Terms and Conditions apply to Prestwich Community Choir membership. By purchasing a membership, you agree to the terms below.
1. The agreement and who we are
1.1. These terms form an agreement between you (the Member) and Stefanie Pickford trading as Prestwich Community Choir (the Choir).
1.2. The Choir is run as a small business by the Choir Director. Contact email: prestwichcommunitychoir@gmail.com
2.Eligibility and age
2.1. Membership is available to people aged 18 and over only.
3. Membership and what it includes
3.1. While your membership is active and fees are up to date, membership includes:
3.2. Access to weekly rehearsals during school term time. The number of rehearsals may vary each academic year.
3.3. Access to ChoirMate and choir resources.
3.4. Access to planned social events and performance opportunities (where available).
3.5. Membership is for the named member only and is not transferable.
4. Rehearsal schedule and term time
4.1. Rehearsals usually take place on Monday evenings during school term time.
4.2. Term time generally follows the published Bury Council school term dates.
4.3. We do not usually rehearse during school holidays.
4.4. Occasionally, rehearsal dates, times, or rooms may change due to venue availability or circumstances outside our control. We will communicate changes as early as possible.
5.Subscription payments
5.1. Membership is paid monthly in advance via our website.
5.2. Your first monthly payment is charged immediately when you sign up.
5.3. Future payments will be taken monthly on the same calendar date as your sign up date (or the nearest available date provided by the website payment processor).
5.4. In some cases we may move your payment date to the 1st of the next month for administrative reasons. We will notify you of this in writing where necessary.
5.5. You are responsible for keeping your payment details up to date so payments can be collected.
6.Failed payments, grace period, and cancellation for non-payment
6.1. If a payment fails, you will be notified by email and will have 10 days to resolve it.
6.2. If payment is not received within 10 days, your membership will be cancelled and you will lose access to rehearsals, ChoirMate, choir resources, social events, and performance opportunities.
6.3. Your place in the choir will be released.
6.4. If you wish to return later, you will be welcome to rejoin via a taster session, subject to space.
7. Cancellations by members
7.1. You may cancel your membership at any time.
7.2. Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current paid month. Membership fees are not refunded for partial months.
7.3. You are responsible for cancelling your subscription via your online account on our website (Squarespace).
7.4. If you cancel and later wish to return, you will be welcome to rejoin via a taster session, subject to space.
8. Pausing a membership (exceptional circumstances)
8.1. In exceptional circumstances (for example, serious illness), we may agree to pause a membership for a limited period.
8.2. Any pause is discretionary and must be agreed in writing by the Choir Director.
9. Refunds and cancelled rehearsals
9.1. Membership fees are non-refundable once paid, except where stated in this section.
9.2. If we have to cancel a rehearsal as a one off, we will aim to offer an alternative session where reasonably possible. Membership fees are not refunded for individual cancelled sessions.
9.3. If rehearsals are cancelled due to circumstances outside our control (for example, venue closure, severe weather, public health restrictions, or staff illness), we will make reasonable efforts to provide an alternative rehearsal or suitable alternative where practical. Membership fees are not refunded for individual cancellations in these circumstances.
9.4. If we cancel rehearsals for an extended period or stop running the choir, we will refund any unused portion of your membership where appropriate.
10. Reduced fee membership
10.1. A limited number of reduced fee memberships are available at a discretionary reduced rate.
10.2. The discount offered may vary but will be no more than 50 percent of the current membership fee.
10.3. Reduced fee places are offered at the discretion of the Choir Director and are offered on trust. We may occasionally check in to confirm the rate is still appropriate
11. Member Code and conduct
11.1. We are committed to creating a safe, welcoming environment.
11.2. Members are expected to treat others with respect and follow our Member Code.
11.3. Serious or repeated breaches of the Member Code may result in membership being ended. In these circumstances, membership fees are not refunded.
12. Choir resources and permitted use
12.1. ChoirMate access and choir resources are provided for your personal use only.
12.2. You must not share, copy, publish, distribute, or make available choir materials (including learning tracks, rehearsal recordings, lyric sheets, and any other resources) outside the choir membership, unless we have given permission in writing.
12.3. Anyone who shares choir resources without written permission may have their membership ended, and membership fees will not be refunded
13. Photography, filming, and recordings
13.1. We sometimes take photos and videos at rehearsals, performances, and other choir related activities.
13.2. By joining Prestwich Community Choir, you agree that you may be photographed or filmed for the purposes of publicity, marketing, and social media.
13.3. If you do not want to appear in photos or videos, you must opt out by emailing prestwichcommunitychoir@gmail.com
13.4. We will always do our best to honour opt out requests, but it may not be possible to remove you from wider crowd shots, live event footage, or recordings where you are not the focus.
14. Health, safety, participation, and carers
14.1. You take part at your own pace. You are welcome to sit, stand, take breaks, or step outside as needed.
14.2. Please let us know if you have access needs so we can try to support you.
14.3. If you attend with a carer or support worker, they remain responsible for your care, wellbeing, and support.
14.4. You agree to follow reasonable health and safety instructions from the Choir Director, Musical Director, venue staff, or any appointed volunteer, including instructions relating to fire safety, emergency evacuation, first aid, and safe use of the rehearsal space.
14.5. You agree to behave in a way that does not put you or others at risk. This includes taking care when moving around the venue, keeping walkways and fire exits clear, and not bringing unsafe items into the rehearsal space.
14.6. If you feel unwell, or if participation may be unsafe for you, you should take appropriate steps to look after yourself (for example, taking a break, stepping outside, or stopping), and seek medical advice where needed. If there is an urgent concern for your safety, we may ask you to pause participation or step out of the rehearsal space.
14.7. If you have a medical condition, injury, or medication that may affect your participation or may be relevant in an emergency, we strongly encourage you to tell the Choir Director in advance, so we can make reasonable adjustments where possible. This is optional and will be handled in line with our Privacy Notice.
14.8. Alcohol and non prescribed drugs must not be consumed at rehearsals or performance events. Anyone who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or whose behaviour is causing distress to others or creating a safety risk, may be asked to leave the rehearsal or event. In these circumstances, membership fees will not be refunded.
15. Personal belongings and responsibility
15.1. You are responsible for your own belongings while attending rehearsals, performances, and other choir activities.
15.2. You attend and participate at your own risk. Nothing in these terms limits liability where it cannot legally be limited.
16. Communications
16.1. By joining, you consent to receiving communications via email, phone and choirmate relating to your membership, rehearsals, choir activities, events, and performance opportunities.
16.2. We may contact you with essential membership updates (for example, rehearsal changes, payment issues, and access information).
17. Data protection and privacy
17.1. We collect and use personal information to manage membership, communicate with you, and run choir activities.
17.2. Our Privacy Notice explains how we handle your data.
18. Changes to fees and these terms
18.1. Membership fees are reviewed every 6 months and may increase where needed to reflect rising costs and keep the choir sustainable.
18.2. We will communicate any fee changes clearly and give notice in advance before a new price takes effect.
18.3. We may update these Terms and Conditions from time to time. The latest version will always be available on our website.
18.4. Where changes are significant, we will endeavour to give reasonable notice before they take effect.
19. Keeping your details up to date
19.1. You are responsible for keeping your contact details up to date so we can communicate important information about your membership.
20. Complaints and queries
20.1. If you have a concern or complaint, please email prestwichcommunitychoir@gmail.com We aim to respond within 10 working days.
21. Severability
21.1. If any part of these terms is found to be invalid, unenforceable, or unlawful, the remaining parts will continue in effect.
22. Governing law
22.1. These terms are governed by the law of England and Wales.
23. Contact
23.1. If you have any questions about membership, payments, access needs, or opting out of photos and videos, please contact prestwichcommunitychoir@gmail.com