Cheltenham Salvation Army hosts joyful 'Enabled' event with The Music Man Project

published on 6 Mar 2026

The Salvation Army in Cheltenham last week threw open its doors to host a vibrant and inclusive "Enabled" event, welcoming The Music Man Project* for a day of music, fellowship, and celebration. The gathering proved to be a powerful testament to the church’s commitment to ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, feels a sense of belonging.

Enabled is a specialised Salvation Army network and ministry dedicated to supporting people with disabilities, their families, and carers. It serves as a community of fellowship, worship, and social activity designed to ensure that people with disabilities are fully included in all aspects of church life and society.

Held at the Cheltenham church on 39 Bath Road, the event drew 55 attendees, with participants travelling from across the UK, including the South West, Wales, the Central Southern region, highlighting the widespread need for and appreciation of accessible community events.

The day was a whirlwind of activity, headlined by high-energy sessions led by David Stanley and ambassadors from the award-winning Music Man Project —an inclusive musical charity The Salvation Army has proudly partnered with since 2017. The workshops, which utilised Makaton signing, instrument playing, and dancing, created a supportive environment where everyone was encouraged to join in at their own comfort level. As confidence blossomed throughout the day, several participants bravely stepped forward to perform solo renditions of the much-loved anthem, "Music Is Magic."

“It was a wonderful demonstration of accessibility, inclusivity, and fellowship. The sessions were high energy, but more importantly, it was a safe space where people could truly be themselves and express themselves. Seeing the joy on their faces was incredible,”
said Joanne Graham, Disability Engagement Advisor at The Salvation Army.

The theme of adaptability continued with a timbrel (tambourine) session. The routine was carefully adapted for all abilities, allowing participants to join in whether seated or standing. The session culminated in a heartwarming group performance that left the room buzzing with pride and happiness.

Beyond the music, the event was planned with accessibility at its core. A fully accessible programme used pictures and symbols to help everyone follow along. A marvellous lunch catered to all dietary needs, providing a perfect opportunity for old friendships to be strengthened and new ones to be forged. For those needing a break from the excitement, a quiet craft space was available, complete with fidget toys and noise-cancelling headphones.

Cheltenham launches new seasonal 'Enabled' group

Building on the success of this event, The Salvation Army in Cheltenham is formalising its commitment to inclusion by establishing a new regular 'Enabled' group. Following a successful pilot at Christmas—which featured singing, crafts, puzzles, and food—the group will now meet seasonally.

Rachel and Tom Dunham who lead The Salvation Army in Cheltenham said, “We are committed to showing the love of Jesus to all, demonstrating that everyone belongs, everyone is needed, and that life is better when we journey with people of different backgrounds and generations. The Enabled group is part of making space for these values. We want to support those in our community who may, at times, feel isolated or excluded.”

“Having the Music Man Project visit was fantastic, and we are now looking at ways to incorporate their approach into our regular gatherings to ensure we continue to be as inclusive as possible.”

The Cheltenham Enabled group is open to any adults with disabilities and their carers. New members are always welcome. Dates for the seasonal gatherings will be announced on The Salvation Army Cheltenham’s social media channels.

The Salvation Army in Cheltenham is a community-focused church and charity dedicated to providing support, hope, and care to those in need. With its programmes, the church and charity strives to be a beacon of hope and support for the vulnerable. Mounted outside its hall and publicly accessible is a defibrillator (AED) ensuring that both congregants and passersby have immediate access to this critical piece of emergency equipment. For more information about The Salvation Army in Cheltenham visit Cheltenham | The Salvation Army.