Celebrating 50 years of Enabled summers!

Salvationist celebrates a milestone of summer residential events.

This year marks 50 years of summer events for Enabled. The residential event is a key part of the Enabled calendar, alongside online Christmas and Easter events. It provides spiritual and social fellowship and gives members opportunities to express themselves through music, drama and more.

The first annual summer school took place in 1975 at the International House of South Wales in Penarth, a few years after the formation of The Salvation Army’s Association for the Handicapped.

In 1986, after some time in Coventry, the event moved to the National Star College campus in Cheltenham. In 1990, the fellowship’s members voted to change the association’s name to the Salvation Army Fellowship of Endeavour, or SAFE. The SAFE School of Arts continued yearly, including a wider range of activities, such as sport, as well as prayer, Bible study and worship, plus the all-important talent night!

In 2024, the Enabled Summer Extravaganza moved to King’s Park Conference Centre, Northampton, and remains a cornerstone of community, connection and encouragement.

Major Christine Piper

How did you get involved?

As the special needs and health care officer, part of my role was to lead SAFE and the summer school – a massive and daunting task for one person with no experience of disability other than my nursing training! Since then I have attended almost every Enabled summer school.

Why did you get involved?

I am passionate about inclusivity and caring for people, and wanted to foster an environment where everyone feels included, empowered, loved and valued. I wanted each member to be able to experience all that those without disabilities can and to know God’s love.

Why is Enabled important today?

Each member is loved, supported, included and encouraged to achieve their God-given potential. Hopefully there are no longer corps where people with disabilities feel excluded or unwelcome, and buildings and activities are accessible to all.

Do you have a favourite memory?

So many times I have seen members flourish and achieve things they never thought possible. Their joy and delight have been inspirational. I have also seen supporters grow in faith and confidence. Sharing in fellowship, worship and prayer has been a privilege. I have been constantly reminded that we are all made in God’s image and have a part to play in his Kingdom.

What are your prayers for Enabled’s future?

That the Army continues to support and fund this important work and our corps and centres will be welcoming, accessible and inclusive to all, and recognise their worth.

Majors Barbara and Harry Wilson

How did you get involved?

We got involved in 1993, when we were corps officers at Cheltenham Citadel. We helped with transporting delegates from the railway and bus stations. When we moved, we became carers for many years.

Why did you get involved?

SAFE, as it was called then, was a wonderful opportunity to be an encouragement to everybody. We enjoyed it and got to know wonderful people. We had a special invite this year to return – one of the wonderful things going back was people remembering us and making us very welcome.

Why is Enabled important today?

It’s a wonderful fellowship and everybody enjoys being together. Everyone feels like an equal part of the fellowship. That’s very special.

Do you have a favourite memory?

There are so many! The love shared by everybody.

What are your prayers for Enabled’s future?

That it continues. The past 50 years prove that it’s beneficial to people and it’s a wonderful community that cares for and supports each other.