Skip to main content
The new name for DisabledGo

Search for accessible places to go

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Interfaith Chaplaincy Centre

Wearbank House, University of Sunderland - Sir Tom Cowie Campus, Charles Street, Sunderland, SR6 0AN

View Accessibility Symbols

Accessibility Symbols

For more information about what these symbols mean, view our Accessibility Symbols Guide.

Close this popup window.

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Summary

  • Building View
    • Services / Facilities within the building include; interfaith places of prayer, study rooms, quiet rooms and a safe room.
    • On the ground floor through the door on your left next to reception you will find on your right hand side the general office, Reverend Chris Howson's office, the Christian Chapel and the Muslim Brothers Prayer Room.
      On the left hand side of the first floor corridor there is the Multi Faith Prayer Room.
    • On the first floor is a small kitchenette at the top of the stairs.
      Through the door on your left as you reach the top of the stairs you will find on your right the mature student study room, a quiet space room and the library which has two entry doors.
      On the left hand side of the first floor corridor are female toilets, the LGBTQI+ Safe Space, a quiet space room and a Muslim Sisters Prayer Room.
  • Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities View
    • Accessible toilet facilities are located in the ground floor corridor.
    • Female standard toilet facilities are located in the first floor corridor.
    • Male standard toilet facilities are located in the ground floor corridor.
    • Gender neutral toilet facilities are located in the ground floor corridor.
  • COVID-19 Information View

Getting Here (Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's)

  • By Road View
    • The Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's is located north-east of the city centre, by St Peter's Church and the north bank of the River Wear.
      It can be accessed from the west and east by the A1018 /A183 Dame Dorothy Street, or from the north by the A1018 Church Street North.
    • There is limited pay and display parking across the campus on a first come first served basis.
      If you’re a Blue Badge holder, you can register your vehicle for University Blue Badge parking. This enables you to park for free, in designated disabled parking bays on campus.
      Due to the location of the campuses and the large number of students and staff you are not guaranteed a parking space.
      The University operates a cashless parking system. Students and staff may be eligible to register their vehicle with the University which reduces the cost of parking on campus.
      Visitors attending conferences, training or other events at the University should seek advice on parking from the relevant Faculty/Service they are meeting.
    • For more information on parking at the University of Sunderland please click here (opens new tab).
  • By Bus View
  • By Train View
  • By Metro View
    • The nearest Metro station is The University (for access to the City Campus.
    • The University stop is located to the west of the Sir Tom Cowie Campus off the A1018 Wearmouth Bridge.
      The station is step free with lift access to both platforms.
      Note that there is a pronounced slope down to the Platform 2 lift at ground level.
      The nearest Metro station to St Peter's Campus, is St Peter's.
      This station is on top of the railway viaduct on the west side of North Bridge Street with separate entrances to each platform.
      There are crossings to access the east side of North Bridge Street.
      Please note that the ramp/slope from the car park to the station is steep.
      .
    • For more information please click here (opens new tab).

Useful Information

  • The Disability Support Team (DST) provide information, support and guidance to students with disabilities, mental health difficulties, Specific Learning Difficulties (such as dyslexia) and long-term medical conditions.
    Our area of expertise is learning support; if you feel that your condition or impairment is having an impact upon your studies, you can contact us.
    We are the starting point for you to discuss and organise your learning support.
    We are a confidential and individual service.
    Disability Support Advisers are available to meet students on a one-to-one basis to discuss their particular needs and help them put support arrangements in place.
  • To see more information on Disability Support Team please click here (opens new tab).
  • Telephone Number: 0191 515 2952.
  • Email: disability.support@sunderland.ac.uk.
  • Anyone can experience thoughts and feelings that are distressing or affect their ability to concentrate on their work or studies.
    Looking after your physical health is fundamental to student success.
    We are here to support you, and your Wellbeing Team provides a range of support in relation to all your health needs.
    It is very important to ensure you can access the support you need when you need it.
    We work alongside the Disability Support Team for all students with a diagnosed condition.
    The Disability Support Team (DST) provides information, support, and guidance to students with disabilities, mental health difficulties.
    Specific Learning Difficulties (such as dyslexia), and long-term medical conditions.
  • To see more information on Wellbeing please click here (opens new tab).
  • Telephone Number: 0191 515 2933.
  • Email: wellbeing@sunderland.ac.uk.
  • We offer a great choice of accommodation for you to choose from and our rent prices include heating, lighting, water, fuel, Wi-Fi and personal possessions insurance.
    All of our residences are in a great location for students studying at either City Campus or Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's.
    They are all within walking distance of Sunderland City Centre with access to supermarkets, bars/restaurants, theatres/cinema and transport links.
  • To see more information on Accommodation please click here (opens new tab).
  • Telephone Number: 0191 515 2943.
  • Email: accommodation@sunderland.ac.uk.
  • The Gateway is your one-stop shop for all your enquiries.
    No matter what your question is, we’ll be able to help resolve your issue or at least advise on what you need to do next and we'll keep you informed along the way through our enquiry system, Compass.
    Alongside our extensive online support via Compass and our Self Service on e:Vision, you will also be able to find support at both our City and Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's.
    We have an Enquiry Desk at each campus ready to help you when you need it:
    City Campus - Gateway Building
    Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's - Prospect Building.
  • To see more information on Gateway Enquiries please click here (opens new tab).
  • Telephone Number: 0191 515 2222.
  • Email: Compassgateway@sunderland.ac.uk.
  • Library Services deliver a range of services, spaces, and support across the learning community.
    In collaboration with the community, they support learners' engagement with their studies and underpin the University's academic, research, and graduate success.
    The services are personalised and accessible, and blend digital and print, providing customised resources.
    These collections support teaching, learning, and research both on-and off- campus.
    The library flexible learning spaces offer varied environments appropriate to changing student and staff needs.
    The library staff skills support enables learners to get the very best from library collections and develop lifelong learning and career skills.
  • To see more information on Library Services please click here (opens new tab).
  • Telephone Number: 0191 515 3691.
  • Email: library@sunderland.ac.uk.

Building Parking

  • The building does not have its own dedicated parking.
  • Building Car Park View
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are not available.
    • The dropped kerb between the car park and the building does not have tactile paving.
  • Site/Campus Car Parks View
    • There is a site/campus car park for staff, students and visitors within approximately 200m.
    • The name of the car park is The West Car Park.
    • The car park is located off St Peters Way.
  • On Street Parking View
    • Clearly signed and/or marked on street Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • The dimensions of the marked Blue Badge bays are 620cm x 280cm (20ft 4in x 9ft 2in).
    • The on street Blue Badge parking bay(s) is/are located on Charles Street.
    • Clearly signed and/or standard marked parking bays are available.
    • The on street standard parking bay(s) is/are located on Charles Street.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Site/Campus Car Park (Main Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located off Charles Street on the right hand side of the Reg Vardy Centre.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are the Reg Vardy Centre and the Wearside View Building.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked and signposted.
    • There is/are 6 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 230cm x 440cm.
    • The Blue Badge parking bays have a marked zone to both sides and rear.
    • The marked zone is 120cm wide.
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
  • Car Park Access View
    • There is step free access from this car park.
    • Buildings are clearly signposted from this car park.
    • There is not a campus map available within the car park.
    • The nearest designated bay is 55m (60yd 5in) from the main entrance of the Reg Vardy Centre.
    • Blue Badge holders can register their vehicle for University Blue Badge free parking in designated disabled parking bays on campus. For more information on registering your vehicle please click here Parking at both campuses is first come, first served. You are not guaranteed a parking space. Staff and students who do not live at university accommodation may register their vehicle with the University which reduces the cost of parking on campus. The University operates a cashless parking system that allows payment by the following methods: • Via the JustPark app, available from the App Store, if you have a smartphone, including paying in advance. • By following the directions on car parking signs if you do not have a smartphone. • By using the two cashless parking terminals at the northern entrance to Gateway building on City Campus or the southern entrance to the Reg Vardy Centre on Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's. Students in University accommodation must register their vehicle, entitling them to free parking at their accommodation site. However, they are not permitted to park on teaching campuses between 8am – 5pm on weekdays and are encouraged to use the university’s free campus bus and Connect service.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off Charles Street.
    • This entrance gives access to foyer of the Interfaith Chaplaincy Centre.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'OPEN - use your card to come and have a look around rest and chill out.'.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • There is a push pad/button to enter and exit the main automatic doors.
    • The entry push pad or push button is 90cm from floor level.
    • The exit push pad or push button is 106cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
    • The width of the door opening is 78cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
    • The width of the door opening is 78cm.
    • The outer door is opened (closes automatically) by a push pad on the landing outside the entrance, and by the push pad besides the second set of doors to exit the building.
      To gain access to the main building through the second set of doors requires a current key card to open the second door.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located to the left as you approach the building from Charles Street.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the ramp.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is/are 3 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The step(s) has/have tactile paving at the top and bottom.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 17cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on the left going up the step(s).
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a second lower handrail.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located to your left as you enter the building.
    • The reception point is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the main entrance.
    • The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the reception point.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
    • There are no windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors at/behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
    • The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
    • The height of the reception counter is 97cm.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is not a lowered section of the counter.
    • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the counter.
    • The counter is not staffed.
    • There is not a bell to attract attention.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
    • There is no wayfinding signage available at/close to the reception.
    • The type of flooring in the reception area is carpet.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is a waiting area close to the reception point.
    • Access to the waiting area is unobstructed.
    • The seats do not have armrests.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is stepped access to There is stairs for access to floor one.
  • Circulation View
    • There are doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • There are corridors/walkways with a surface width of less than 120cm (excluding any permanent obstructions over a small distance).
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is carpet.
    • There is high visual contrast between the walls and floor in all corridors/walkways.
    • There are no seats/chairs at regular intervals.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is not provided.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is not consistent throughout the building.
  • Safe Place(s) View
    • There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
    • There is a room on the first floor which is designated as a LGBTQI+ safe space.
  • Audio View
    • This venue does not play background music in communal areas.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system in the communal areas of the building.

Other Floors

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located to the right as you enter the building.
    • The stairs are approximately 5m from the main entrance.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • The door to the first floor corridor is automatic but it is restrained by a magnet to be in the permanently open position.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G and 1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The steps have a handrail on the left going up.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are not easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are good.
  • Other Information View
    • The room(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are the Kitchen, mature student study room, the LGBTQI+ safe space, the library and the Muslim Sisters Prayer Room and the female standard toilet.

Entrance (Reading Library First Floor)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the first floor towards the end of the corridor.
    • This entrance gives access to the reading library.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Library'.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are light.
    • The width of the door opening is 80cm.

Library (Reading Library First Floor)

  • Library Circulation View
    • There is stepped access within the library.
    • The type of flooring in the library is carpet and vinyl.
    • There are no potential trip hazards within the room.
  • Self Service Machines View
    • There is not a/are no self service book borrow/return machine(s) available.
  • Library Services View
    • This library is able to provide material in the following formats: large print.
    • This is a reading library with mostly hard cover and paperback books.
      There are a few book with large print.
    • There are reading/study desks available.
    • The majority of the reading/study desk(s) are 68cm in height.
    • There are no height adjustable desks available.
    • The seats do not have armrests.
    • Auxiliary aids are not available.
    • A member of staff is not available to provide assistance.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Transfer Both Sides)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located first door on your right on the ground floor corridor.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a gender neutral toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The visual contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is light.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 77cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The visual contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is high.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 250cm x 390cm (8ft 2in x 12ft 10in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on both sides.
    • The lateral transfer space on the left is 120cm.
    • The lateral transfer space on the right is 70cm.
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a female sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is not a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 113cm and 140cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf has the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
    • The shelf is at a height of 50cm.
    • The shelf is located where it is reachable.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat visual contrast is low.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 99cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is low.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 100cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is low.
  • Comments View
    • There are two toilet roll dispensers, one on either side of the toilet, both can be reached from the toilet.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female toilet is located on the first floor corridor first door on your right.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 3m from the top of the stairs.
    • The visual contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 78cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are good.
    • Photograph 5 is of the Wudu washing facilities located in the female toilets.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The male toilet is located on the ground floor corridor second door on your right.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 10m from the main entrance.
    • The visual contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 78cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are good.
    • Photograph 10 is of the Wudu washing facilities located in the male toilets.