What has been going on for ASNA in 2024 so far. Earlier in the spring, we hosted our 22nd annual family respite weekend. Adele Beecham, Gospel Train Musician, attended for the first time. She shares an account of the weekend.
'It was a weekend of fun and spiritual refreshment for the attendees of the ASNA weekend camp 2024. A program focusing on creating a space for people with special needs and create a space it did, leaving attendees “over the moon” as described by one ASNA attendee. The weekend can be best summed up in the words of another attendee, who shared brightly, “this is a place for us.”
The weekend was structured over 3 days of worship and workshops for both spiritual and practical ends. The Gospel Train was a favorite of these, a program run through the Music and Art Academy by musicians involving musical expression with gospel songs, during which, laughter and music filled the atmosphere. In addition to the Gospel Train, a concert was held at the end of Sabbath, where attendees shared their talents, reflections and worship adding a sentimental touch to the evening. And as if this was not enough, the food over the weekend left the attendees beaming with delight.
The weekend also featured a workshop with Dr. Inez McKenzie Brown sharing insightful information empowering and equipping parents and youth alike with more tools to support them in their day-to-day life.
Interactive activities also occurred throughout the weekend. The Listen & Paint from the Music and Art Academy provided space for individual expression through the canvas and an opportunity to visit the Royal’s Sandringham estate.
Many participants felt the weekend gave them the opportunity to “relax and be rejuvenated.” They shared at the end of the camp how their local churches have not always been able to create a space where they or their children feel seen and able to express themselves. ASNA did exactly that, catering to their needs and leaving them feeling grateful that they came.
There is no better memory to leave with than standing around hand in hand and singing about Christ’s return to take us all to heaven. With one attendee so moved to share the words “I love you all” shortly after as the weekend came to an emotional close. Words simply cannot do justice to the way people shared the blessings they experienced by attending and now we eagerly await ASNA’s next event. Perhaps we will see you there too'
(Written by Adele Beecham. Images from various attendees)
CARERS WEEK 2024 10 - 16 JUNE
It’s time to celebrate the UK’s unpaid carers and recognise the huge amount they do!
Carers Week 2024 takes place from Monday 10th June until Sunday 16th June 2024. It’s a national event to recognise and celebrate the UK’s six million plus unpaid family and friend carers.
The theme for the week is 'Putting Carers on the Map'. It will raise awareness of caring, highlighting the challenges family and friend carers face, and acknowledge the huge contribution carers make. It's also a time to help people who don’t think of themselves as carers, to identify as carers and then access much-needed support.
ASNA provides support for Carers and their families through the Connecting Carers Network. The family weekend is one of a number of events we organise for carers and their families. Our monthly Here2Hear (H2H) online zoom drop-in meetings started in 2020 and continued till 2023. The aim of H2H is to provide spaces for Carers to share, learn and feel supported. In 2024, further monthly online sessions for carers have featured workshop on stress management and financial savings in winter months.
'KEEPING WARM IN WINTER' (KWW) PROJECT
A grant from the Community Matters Fund, enabled ASNA to distribute over 60 'Winter Warmer Packs' for families during the winter months of the year.
ASNA provided monthly music making and art sessions as part of the KWW project. 'Warm Spaces' provided places for people with special needs to come together to make new friends, enjoy music making and make some fuel cost savings.
It was encouraging to receive responses from the Warm Spaces attendees and recipients of the Winter Warmer packs. Many expressed thanks and 'surprise' at receiving the packs (contents: blanket, warm flask, socks, draft extractor and radiator keys). All families found the pack 'very helpful',' came at the right time as the heating needs fixing' .
One family wrote, Thank you so much for the warm goodies that x received this morning. It will really come in handy for the cold days still ahead of us. Much appreciated and thank you for thinking of us especially as x is really feeling the cold so much now that x gets older.
'Thank you so much and God bless for your support and kindness. We received our parcel today.'
'Y, sounds like she got everything! She was so pleased, as she has a chest infection from cold accommodation as heating has broken down'.
Further support under the KWW project included online webinars, 121 advice & guidance as well as information leaflet distributed to families living with disabilities to manage their fuel cost.
Many thanks to the Community Matters Fund for partnering with ASNA to provide this essential program. We are looking forward to providing continued support in this and many other areas of need.
SUMMER EVENTS
ASNA will be at Parallel Windsor again this year. The event takes place on the 7th July 2024. We will be taking part in the inclusive sporting challenges as well as presenting The Gospel Train in the music tent. You are welcome to join us at this event. Should you not be able to join but would like to make a donation to ASNA, Scan the QR code below and learn how you can support the music project for young people with neurodiversity
Further activities for the year include church training, the Carers day in October 2024 and the annual fund raising concert in Binfield, Newbold College held in December. To keep up to date with ASNA activities or to become a member working with ASNA to create places of belonging, then send us an email info@asna.info.
CELEBRATING LIFE
On the 27th March, we said goodbye and celebrated the life of Elder Wayne Joseph Golding, ASNA supporter since its inception and husband to ASNA Governance & Policy development chair, Chucks Golding.
An accomplished musician and spiritual guide, Wayne provided the backbone to the music ministry of ASNA in its early days as well as spiritual guidance and mentorship for younger people. For many years Chucks supported her husband Wayne as he navigated an underlying illness which did not hinder his ability to shepherd his home church and support the pastors and leaders within the South England Conference of Churches as an exemplary elder, leader and friend.
On the 29th October 2023, Wayne attended the ASNA Carers Day and was able to experience the tour of the Ellen White Research Centre and take part in the talks from Pastors Ivana & Rory Mendez (see group picture below). This was to be the last opportunity for ASNA to be with Wayne and we thank God it was a wonderful experience for him as he had been finding it a challenge to attend live events due to access.
Wayne Golding playing at the first ASNA family respite residential break 2001.
ASNA Carers' Day Group photo at the Ellen White Research Centre 2023
On the 27th of March 2024, we bid farewell and honoured Wayne's life during a lovely service conducted at the Stanborough Park SDA church. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family as we await the blessed hope.
THANK YOU
Thank you for your prayers for ASNA as we navigate the next half of 2024. Thanks to all ASNA supporters and to our wonderful members. Continue to be ASNA champions where ever you are.
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