Our Essential Companion Scheme
Colchester Makerspace


What is the Essential Companion Scheme?

The Essential Companion Scheme allows disabled members and visitors who need support to attend Colchester Makerspace with a companion at no additional cost. We want everyone to be able to access making, and this scheme removes a financial barrier for people who need someone with them to participate safely and comfortably.

Who qualifies?

You may be eligible if you hold one of the following documents (dated within the last 12 months, or a current valid card):

  • Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) letter

  • Attendance Allowance letter

  • Certificate of Visual Impairment or registered blind certificate

  • CEA Card

  • Carer's Allowance letter or nomination letter from a personal assistant

Types of Essential Companion

There are two ways an Essential Companion can support you at the Makerspace.

Class Companion
Your companion attends a supervised workshop or class alongside you. Sessions are led by one of our Associate Artists, so no prior induction is required. This applies whether you're a member or a drop-in visitor.

Open Access Companion
Your companion accompanies you during open access sessions, when the space is unsupervised. Before attending in this capacity, they must complete our standard online induction — the same one all members complete. Once done, they'll be recorded as an approved companion on your membership account. A companion who has completed the induction can also attend classes with you, so the induction only needs to be done once.

What does it cover?

Your Essential Companion's place is always free of charge, whether attending a class or open access session. If a session is fully booked, we will always accommodate your Essential Companion alongside you — just let us know when booking so we can arrange this.

Your companion is there to support you. If they would like to use the space or attend sessions independently in their own right, they would need their own membership.

Questions?

Get in touch at hello@colchestermakerspace.org or speak to a team member at the space.

How to apply

Fill in the below form and upload a copy of one of the qualifying documents listed above. Once verified, we'll confirm your eligibility and send your companion the link to complete their online induction if needed. They'll then be recorded on your account as an approved Essential Companion.

Essential Companion Appliation Form

Privacy Notice — Essential Companion Scheme Applications

Why we collect your data

Colchester Makerspace needs to collect your personal data in order to process your Essential Companion Scheme application. We will only collect what is necessary to do so.

Information collected

  • Name

  • Address

  • Phone number

  • Email address

  • Nature of disability or access need

  • Name and contact details of carer or personal assistant, if applicable

Basis for processing

We process your data on the basis of your clear consent. You may withdraw consent at any time by contacting us. We would not be able to assess your application without the information you provide.

Who we share your information with

Your application will be handled by the Colchester Makerspace team. We will never sell your data. We will not use your information for marketing purposes without your explicit consent.

How long we keep your data

We retain records relating to Essential Companion Scheme applications for three years from the date of approval.

Your rights

You have the right to access, correct, or request deletion of the personal data we hold about you. To make a request, email [hello@colchestermakerspace.org].

If you are dissatisfied with how we have handled your data, you can contact the Information Commissioner's Office at casework@ico.org.uk.