Enabled at Christmas 2025: The Shepherds Come

Learning Disability Inclusion Development Manager Chris Stringer (THQ) reports upon a fun time of reflection and celebration.

The theme for the sixth Enabled at Christmas weekend was The Shepherds Come. These weekends started online in 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic, and they continued as they were a good opportunity for Enabled members and supporters to share together.

This weekend was well supported with more than 1,800 views of the sessions and 235 individual participants identified.

We started on Friday evening. I led a welcome session that included a message on the faith of the shepherds and our now legendary scavenger hunt. This was followed by an Open House session led by Wendy Keller (Boston). We were asked questions, including our favourite Christmas carols and what we had on the top of our Christmas trees. Stars were the clear winner.

Saturday started with worship led by Josh Davies (Pentre) supported by Matti Duffy (Govan), where we considered the central part that the shepherds play in the first Christmas.

Next was chair exercises led by Barbara Davies (Bedlington), where we practised movement while decorating our Christmas trees.

This was followed by the first ever Enabled online baking session. Led by Tracy Wood (Chatham) with Paul Woodhouse (Chatham) doing the baking and Ruth Woodhouse (Chatham) working the technology. We made chocolate biscuits and sausage rolls. Those who joined shared pictures of what they made.

Julie Taylor (Hamilton) led a timbrel session where we learnt a routine to ‘O Come, All Ye Faithful’.

The day was due to close with a Disco led by Lee and Samanatha Forresthill (Ellesmere Port), but this had to be abandoned due to technical difficulties.

It was truly a great programme of events.

Sunday morning started with a Godly Play telling of the Nativity led by Major Georgina Symons (Histon). We then enjoyed a singing session led by Jonny Searle (Boscombe). After a warm-up, we learnt ‘The Shepherd’s Song’, ‘The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy’ and then ‘Midnight’, when Jonny’s daughter, Freya, joined him. Jonny’s session ended with him performing ‘The Christmas Song’.

Sunday afternoon found us being led in a drama session by Sarah Grace. Sarah got us to consider what parts we might have played in the first Christmas. This was followed by a wellbeing session led by Disability Engagement Adviser Joanne Graham (THQ). She led us through a series of questions and exercises to focus on our wellbeing.

Enabled at Christmas ended with a carol service led by Support Officer (Enabled) Major Richard Knott, in which we sang carols, listened to Bible readings and had a message on the special gift God gave.

Some of the feedback we received from people was: ‘Thank you to all the organisers for a wonderful weekend.’ ‘It was truly a great programme of events. Fabulous camaraderie, and a fun time of reflection and celebration!’