Enabled community welcoming new members across North East

A Salvation Army community which provides spiritual support and friendship to people with disabilities, their families and carers is looking to welcome new members across the North East. 

Enabled provides a much needed support network to people who may find themselves isolated and has almost 80 members in the area who stay connected online, via whats app, through quarterly accessible newsletters, birthday cards and via weekly prayer requests. Many of them also regularly meet up at different Salvation Army churches. 

Enabled is a national initiative for the church and charity 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. Recently members performed at The Royal Albert Hall with entertainer Michael Ball. 

It also runs a residential Summer Extravaganza, held in Northampton this year, where members from across the country take part in a weeklong series of activities in music, musical theatre, dance, crafts, social media and video training, which culminates in a final festival showcase. 

In the North East, the group has been spearheaded by now retired officer Major Barbara Davies, who has been a member of Enabled since its conception in 1968. She said: “I have always been passionate about this group. It’s been wonderful to see the friendships and support networks that have grown and how much it has helped people. 

“The Fellowship is open to all ages and all disabilities including Neurodiversity and any members of their family too. I am excited for how the members are going to take the group forward. It’s a vital part of The Salvation Army, however not everyone is aware of what Enabled does and what it can offer to people within our church. I am hoping that it will continue to grow and more of our churches and centres will be encouraged to set up their own accessible activities and become part of this thriving community.”

Sandra from Gateshead, who has been part of the group for many years, said: “The group gives us a safe place to be ourselves and helps people realise they are not alone. As disabled people we go through similar things, it’s a struggle for services, to get carers, it’s a fight for everything, so to be with people that understand what you’re going through and who can share ideas, it’s invaluable. It’s about prayer as well, people will share they are having a difficult time and ask us to pray for them, which we do.

“At your church, you might be the only disabled person and sadly not everything is accessible. The Salvation Army is very good at looking after and caring for people, but sometimes the conversation around disability focuses on how do we look after people rather than how do we empower them to reach their potential. If people find it hard to communicate, it doesn’t mean that they haven’t got something to give to that fellowship. Everybody has value and can contribute.” 

Married couple Helen and Stephen, who live in Sunderland, joined the North East fellowship and then started going to the annual summer school where they took part in brass band, singing, drama and musical theatre lessons. Helen now helps run the Facebook page and they both help out at activities at their local church including the children’s choir. 

Helen said: “The summer school is the highlight of our year. We love it with a passion. We take part in different activities and do things that are out of our comfort zone and that challenge us, like leading worship. We are definitely doing things we would never do anywhere else as it’s a safe environment. 

“We have made a lot of friends for life all over the country, The support network is a huge part of it. We are a friendly bunch and would encourage anyone to join us, we don’t discriminate, there are always people to talk to and we help each other in whatever way we can.”

Stephen agreed that the improvement in his confidence has been huge. 

He said: “The first time we went to the summer school, I always said I would never become a songster or play in the band but then I took brass and singing lessons and learned I could sing. I enjoyed it so much that I became a Salvation Army songster! I also played guitar during a talent night. 

“Growing up I never had any confidence, I was told I was not good enough, not worthy enough, not able to do anything I wanted to do, but meeting Enabled people has given me the confidence. Now Helen and I are both part of the organising team for our group which has also allowed us to take part in training courses and gain qualifications.” 

Jo-Anne Graham, Disability Engagement Advisor at The Salvation Army, said “The church community itself is not complete without people with disabilities and Enabled are committed to removing the barriers that people face. Most disabilities are not visible so it’s not just about making sure our buildings are accessible. We want people to feel like they really belong by participating in our ministry and flourishing in our church communities.

“Enabled provides people with fantastic opportunities like the recent Music Man concert. We had eight Music Man groups from across the territory performing on a world-famous stage with Michael Ball! These are realistic opportunities for people so we do want to raise awareness of what Enabled is and what having things like a Music Man group can do for the community. The churches involved do it so well and the people are so enthused. It’s accessible to young and old and is a beautiful way for people to express themselves, to realize their musical talents and abilities. 

“There’s no denying that people with disabilities are often excluded from society with a serious lack of social opportunities. Sadly, lots of families with children who have a disability or people living with a disability themselves, face barriers within their church community too. That’s why the Enabled community is so important to those involved, they feel valued, recognised, and celebrated for what they can do.

“It’s vital that members are part of the decision-making process and are on the planning team, arranging and leading activities or supporting others. Enabled is about empowering people, ministering to each other, spiritual and social fellowship.”

The next Enabled event in the North East will be a taster day on September 14. Details to follow. 

For more information about Enabled search for them on Facebook.