Enabling inclusivity: Breaking down barriers at Wrexham Corps

Major Lynne Shaw discovers how a new role has been helping people at Wrexham Corps value one another.

When we live out the value of respect, we welcome each person, seeing their dignity as someone created in God’s image, valuing their diversity, and seeking to serve each other’s flourishing. At Wrexham Corps, one way this has been modelled is through the Enabled group, which Cass Jones has led for about five years. Enabled exists to provide spiritual and social fellowship for people with a disability and their carers.

Corps leader Captain Claire Durrant shares that the ‘group are keen to learn, and Cass is great at adapting material to their needs’. She continues: ‘We are blessed to have an Enabled group and wanted them officially represented, as we would do for any other group; they are an important part of our corps family.’

After praying about it, Captain Claire and corps leader Captain Del Durrant shared their thoughts with the Enabled team and divisional leadership. There wasn’t an official role but, with encouragement from Divisional Leader Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts, Claire, Del and Cass put together a job description and proceeded as they would for any other local officer appointment, leading to Cass being commissioned as an Enabled facilitator.

Captain Claire says that the speed at which it all took place was ‘a real joy’. Formalising Cass’s role has opened up conversations about needs, how things that they have changed are working out, and what further change is needed.

Cass says: ‘Being made an Enabled facilitator really hasn’t changed anything for me, but for the group it has. They have always been welcomed and a part of the corps, but their profile has increased. They take part regularly in meetings, from being the team taking up the collection to reading Scripture and praying.’

‘The group have a special bond and look out for each other, often texting to check up on each other or to request prayers,’ she explains. ‘They certainly teach me lessons in humility and grace, and I feel privileged to have the chance to work with and for them.’

Having someone recognised as an Enabled facilitator can encourage openness to inclusivity and being more mindful of everyone’s needs. What has been put in place at Wrexham is an inspiring invitation to consider how we meet everyone’s needs, how we value each other and the things we do in Jesus’ name, and how we include everyone.

Disability Engagement Adviser Jo-Anne Graham (THQ) says: ‘What’s happened at Wrexham is a beautiful example of grassroots discipleship and pastoral care, formalising the truth that everybody is made in the image of Christ and that this ministry matters.’

‘It’s important work,’ she adds, ‘because it breaks down barriers.’

The territory’s Enabled team has had an especially busy year, hosting monthly events across different corps. Jo-Anne explains: ‘We design a programme for the day with accessible activities and worship, drawing on and shaped around the skill sets and passions of the people at that corps.’

Jo-Anne shares: ‘It’s about embodying life in all its fullness. Reaching out intentionally doesn’t always require big changes, often it begins with the smallest adjustments.’

Whether people have sensory or processing differences, mobility needs, or visual or hearing impairment, creating spaces and activities that are truly accessible reflects the Kingdom calling of honouring and welcoming one another.

Churches are incomplete if they do not include people in their community with additional needs and the ways they express worship,’ says Jo-Anne. ‘Belonging is shared ministry. Christ is accessible to us all. Christ meets us where we are.’

Being Christ to each person means considering the needs and experience of each person. Captain Claire encourages us: ‘If you have an Enabled group in your corps use them, listen to them, come alongside them – we’ve learnt far more from them than they’ve learnt from us. Give them a safe space where there’s no judgement, only acceptance and love, and show them how important they are.’