Free training on accessibility for London’s charities helps make sector more inclusive
London charities can apply for free training on how to make their services more accessible and inclusive through London Inclusive Communities, a new initiative run by the Centre for Accessible Environments (CAE).
The dedicated, fully funded service helps third sector organisations in London who need inclusive design advice and support, but lack the budget to commission professional access consultancy services.
It launched in June 2026 in response to the growing pressures facing voluntary and community organisations to become more inclusive. Many organisations operate from inaccessible buildings and lack the resources or expertise to address barriers to participation for disabled people and other under-served groups.
The service is funded by City Bridge Foundation, London’s biggest independent charity funder. Its free Shaping Inclusive Spaces webinar series provides training delivered by industry-leading specialists on how to develop inclusive environments and make spaces accessible to all.
Fara Muneer, CAE’s Head of Business Development, said: “It’s a much-needed service that reflects our commitment to working with City Bridge Foundation for a more inclusive London third sector. It provides invaluable training and vital services for charities to help their services be more impactful within their communities.”
The Shaping Inclusive Spaces webinar series is designed to improve disability access awareness and explore the principles of inclusive design and best practice in the field.
Topics include disability awareness and inclusion, digital accessibility, design and neurodiversity.
London Inclusive Communities has a range of other free services, including specialist guidance on refurbishments, new builds and existing spaces, including design reviews, inclusive environments, and accessible communication.
An audit of buildings and external environments (gardens, parking etc), which also provides recommendations aligned with legislation and best practice to make your building easier to access and travel around for disabled people.
Sacha Rose, City Bridge Foundation’s Chief Funding Director, said: “City Bridge Foundation has supported the Centre for Accessible Environments for more than 20 years, recognising the importance of their work in helping charities and community organisations create spaces that work for everyone.
“Many charities want to be more inclusive but lack the resources to access specialist advice. London Inclusive Communities will help remove those barriers, supporting organisations to make their spaces more welcoming and usable for all Londoners.”
CAE – part of Habinteg Housing Association – consulted over 100 third sector organisations across London when developing London Inclusive Communities. The consultation identified an ongoing need for practical access support, training and technical advice to help embed accessibility into organisational decision-making, services and community spaces.
To be able to access support from London Inclusive Communities your organisation must meet the following criteria:
- Based in London
- Be a registered charity, voluntary organisation or community interest company (CIC)
- Own or lease the building
- Provide community-based services
- Priority may be given to organisations with limited financial capacity, particularly those with an annual turnover of under £1 million.
Religious organisations can apply, but they must show that their services extend beyond religious activities and deliver wider community benefits.
Further information on the free webinars can be found in CAE’s events calendar.
Please email communities@cae.org.uk if you have an enquiry or need advice and, if you meet the eligibility criteria, apply for an access audit of your building.
