Access Support

Alongside my own artistic practice, I work as an Access Support Worker for artists and creatives who need practical, thoughtful support to move projects forward.

My route into the arts wasn’t straightforward. I came to this work through years of navigating education, funding systems, employment, health conditions, and bureaucracy without the right support in place. That experience now sits at the centre of how I work with others.

I support people across disciplines with things like:

    • shaping and completing funding applications
    • organising ideas into clear, workable plans
    • note-taking and follow-up during meetings or calls
    • managing digital platforms, forms, and portals
    • admin tasks that feel overwhelming, time-consuming, or inaccessible

Whether you need help with a single application or ongoing support around your practice, I’m happy to talk things through and see if I’m the right person for you.

 

 

Access support worker and artist facilitating creative practice – helping fill application forms and organise artwork

  

 How I Work

 Grounded, lived experience

I’m a disabled, neurodivergent artist with experience of long-term health conditions. I’ve spent much of my life learning how to work with my brain and body rather than against them. That means I’m realistic, patient, and not fazed by messy processes or non-linear ways of working.

 

 Flexible and responsive

Creative work doesn’t always fit neatly into office hours. I offer flexible working patterns and respond around deadlines and energy levels, rather than rigid schedules.

 

 No templates, no assumptions

Everyone’s access needs are different. I don’t arrive with a fixed method or checklist — we work out what’s useful together, and adapt as things evolve.

 

Getting Started

We begin with a conversation; this could be a call, a video chat, email exchange, or meeting in person. The aim is to understand you, not to rush straight into tasks.

 

We might talk about:

 

    • your background and current situation
    • the project or opportunity you’re working towards
    • which parts of the process feel most difficult or draining
    • any worries you have about applications, deadlines, or systems
    • how you prefer to communicate and work, especially if we’re collaborating remotely

From there, we agree a way of working that feels manageable and supportive, and adjust as needed.

 

Ways I Can Support You

I offer both short-term and ongoing access support, remotely or face-to-face. This might include:

 

    • breaking down complex or intimidating tasks
    • support with online systems and application portals
    • writing, editing, proofreading, and sense-checking
    • organising ideas into clear project plans or budgets
    • help managing emails, admin, and follow-ups
    • tracking tasks, deadlines, and next steps
    • advocacy or support in meetings where communication feels difficult
    • bouncing ideas around and developing projects or events
    • research and information gathering
    • creating simple “how-to” guides for unfamiliar processes
    • support during workshops or events

I’m often contacted for one-off funding applications, but I also work with people longer term when ongoing support is useful.

 

 

Access support worker and artist facilitating creative practice – helping fill application forms and organise artwork


Arts Council England Support

I have successfully applied for Arts Council England funding multiple times, including DYCP and Project Grants, without peer or institutional support. I now use that experience to help others navigate the same systems.

If you’re struggling to:

 

    • clarify your project idea
    • structure an application
    • work within word limits
    • deal with online platforms
    • or keep momentum through the process

I can support you through this.

 

If you are disabled, neurodivergent, or facing access barriers, Arts Council England can fund an Access Support Worker as part of your application. This means my support may be available to you at no cost. I’m also happy to advise on ethical, transparent use of AI tools if that’s something you want to explore.

 

Funding Options

There are funding routes available to cover access support beyond ACE applications.

The Access to Work scheme provides grants for disabled people and those with health conditions, including self-employed artists. Funding can cover access support, equipment, and other practical adjustments that make work possible.

I’m happy to talk through whether this might apply to you.

 

Get in Touch

If you’re looking for access support that’s practical, adaptable, and rooted in real experience, feel free to reach out. There’s no pressure, we can start with a conversation and see whether working together makes sense.

Supporting artists to keep going, especially when systems make things harder than they need to be, is work I care deeply about. Please email danpetley [at] gmail dot com or use the form below.