Accessibility, Equality & Diversity

This statement provides an outline of how Peak Astronomy operates so as to ensure access for all and how we work to improve this and support diversity and help to overcome inequalities. You may not initially think it but astronomy can be an extremely accessible activity. It is seen as being an extremely expensive hobby (which it can be) but it doesn't have to be. Over the last few years there has been a real growth in subscription based remote astronomy. Although you miss out on the challenge and technical skills of capturing your images it provides a very cost effective way to obtain and process your astronomy images which is a whole skillset and art in itself. Many people focus purely on astronomy with just a camera and lenses or a low cost star tracker. This is how I did all of my astronomy for several years. It is also possible to take part in astronomy whilst seated indoors, linked via WiFi to an nearby telescope and camera located outside.

Peak Astronomy:

• Ensures that participation in activities and training courses is available to all, providing guidance, help and encouragement to individuals so as to enable them to participate to their full potential. To discuss any perceived barriers or inequalities and agree ways to overcome these. We are able to come to your location and provided you have an outdoor space we can setup a telescope and camera for you to connect to from indoors.

• Makes adjustments to activities so that participation can be enjoyed, at a level appropriate to the individual. This may include redesigning an activity so as to remove unnecessary barriers that make it harder for an individual to engage and take part, and, where appropriate, offering to run additional activities with appropriate modifications so as to encourage and facilitate participation.

• Is committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion within all of our activities. As we do not employ or contract any workers this principally is concerned with the services we provide, how we provide them, how we interact with our customers and the public and how customers interact with one another.

• Works to create and promote an environment free of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, promoting dignity and respect for all, and where individual differences and the contributions of all are recognised and valued. To ensure the environment we create is as inclusive, accessible and welcoming as possible.

• Commits to making ongoing changes in encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion, and in meeting the aims and commitments set out in this statement.

• Being a very small organisation, in both size and income, we aim to utilise our time to volunteer for other organisations so as to support these aims rather than focussing on providing financial support.

Action Plan 2024

Peak Astronomy aim to:

Review and improve our website and social media presence so as to ensure it is as accessible as possible to everyone and that it highlights our aim to encourage and facilitate access for all. This will include ensuring that we represent an inclusive and diverse society.

To assess participation in our activities and seek ways to encourage and facilitate those from under represented groups to take part and encourage people to provide feedback and suggestions for improvement.