Fantastic possibilities offered at North East Enabled Taster

A taster day held by The Salvation Army for people with disabilities, their families and carers across the North East offered possibilities to learn new skills including mime, cake decorating and playing instruments. 

The Enabled programme, which provides a much-needed support network for up to 80 people from Salvation Army churches across the region, hosted the event to bring people together and show what opportunities there are as part of the Enabled network. 

Enabled is a national initiative by the church and charity which helps people who may otherwise be isolated stay connected online, via WhatsApp, through accessible newsletters, prayer requests and regular meet ups with projects such as Music Man, an award winning and fully accessible music service for adults and children with learning disabilities, leading to fantastic opportunities.

At the recent taster day held at The Salvation Army’s Austin House Family Centre in Southwick, Sunderland, people got to take part in Music Man sessions, timbrels, cake decorating, crafts, mime, and worship. 

Jo-Anne Graham, Disability Engagement Advisor at The Salvation Army, said “It was a fantastic day. We had people travel from churches all across the North East as well as some members of the local community living with acquired brain injuries who were joining us for the first time. 

“The family centre and nearby school were opened up so people could dip into different activities then we all came together for lunch, worship and singing with sign language. One of the women even built up the courage to sing a solo, which was wonderful to hear. 

“The feedback was so positive. People said there was a great atmosphere, something for everyone and everyone felt like they belonged. We want to create an inclusive and welcoming environment, so it was lovely to hear that we achieved that.” 

The sessions also help raise the profile of Enabled among Salvation Army churches and show it is something they can offer to members of their own church with opportunities to be part of something bigger like Music Man, who earlier this year played a concert at the Royal Albert Hall with Michael Ball. 

Jo-Anne continued: “Our church community itself is not complete without people with disabilities and Enabled are committed to removing the barriers that people face. We want people to feel like they really belong by participating in our ministry and flourishing in our church communities. Enabled is about empowering people, ministering to each other, spiritual and social fellowship.”

Also providing support on the day were North East Divisional leaders Majors David and Gillian Burns and Divisional co-ordinator of Enabled North East retired officer Major Barbara Davies

Major David Burns said: “Our Enabled members are an important part of our ministry within The Salvation Army and bring much to our congregations. We were so pleased to see so many gather for the taster day and join in with the positive event engaging with people in so many ways.” 

Major Barbara said: “It was wonderful to see so many members and potential members from our Division and local community coming together and sharing in this event. One of our aims is to encourage local Salvation Army Corps to see how they can provide a programme for people with diverse needs and their careers. This ‘Taster day’ will hopefully be a stepping stone to achieving this goal.”

One Enabled member Sue, who volunteers at Horden Corps, and comes to the group with her daughter Tori, 43, grandson Ben, 21, and granddaughter Molly, 13, spoke of the benefits the group has all year round. 

Sue said: “You get a lot of friendship out of it, it’s a jolly crowd and everyone gets on with everyone else. We help out quite a bit with organising quizzes and games that everyone can join in with, it’s very inclusive.” 

Tori, who helps lead sessions as a support worker and is on the committee of the North East group, added: “I just think it’s absolutely brilliant and we want to spread the word so that all Corps Officers know about this. Everybody who wants to should have access to this community. So many people with differing abilities get overlooked, but we don’t overlook them. They are such a talented, sociable and nice group.”

Graham Wharton, Community Manager at Austin House which hosted the event, said: “How blessed we were to see participants whatever the distance travelled taking a full and active part in our Enable programme. Music, craft, such a mind-blowing experience and God glorifying event. Each person empowered and uplifted knowing that they are loved and cared for by our Heavenly Father. Indeed each one of us was Enabled beyond measure.” 

The Fellowship is open to all ages and all disabilities including Neurodiversity and any members of their family too. For more information about Enabled search for them on Facebook or email enabled@salvationarmy.org.uk