ASNA Weekend

Barnabas Trust Frontier Centre, near Northampton

21-23 March 2003

90 ATTEND ASNA RESPITE AND TRAINING WEEKEND - from Sophia Nicholls <asna@special1.fsnet.co.uk>

Over the weekend of Friday 21 to Sunday 23 March the Adventist Special Needs Association held a respite and training weekend at the Frontier Centre in Irthlingborough, Northants. More than 90 people attended the event, some staying for the weekend and others coming just for a day. 20 of those attending had disabilities and 21 volunteer respite carers provided much needed rest for the primary carers. Some carers were heard to say that this was the first time they had been able to leave their child and know that they would be receiving spiritual and social worship. This meant that parents were free to attend workshops and the support group.

Twelve delegates received certificates for attending the workshops which were run by Susan Boniface, Causeway Prospects Missions Coordinator. The workshops focused on understanding disabilities, communication, and working with people with learning difficulties.

Pastor Richard Daley led an inspirational and spiritual small group discussion on Sabbath morning where he discussed the subjects of acceptance, comfort and hope. Members said how this encouraged them as they where able to discuss their individual experiences in a spiritual context. The afternoon allowed further opportunities for support and encouragement as members focused less on their own difficulties and more on helping and sharing with others. This support group was led by councillors Trudy Young and Dr Hermine Graham, both members of the Adventist counsellors' team.

The Saturday evening concert provided a platform for members with disabilities to witness in music and poetry. Ellaemae Anderson, a 9-year-old with autism, recited a poem, and her brother Quinland played the piano. Her sister Pearl sang a duet with a friend she met at the weekend who has speech and language difficulties. A presentation by the special class group, who also led the praise and worship on Sabbath morning, was particularly moving. The members of this group, which is based in the Handsworth church, Birimingham, all have learning difficulties. They used Makaton, a modified signing system based on British Sign Language, as well as instruments to sing praises to God.

After the concert ASNA held its first Annual General Meeting, chaired by ADRA-UK director, Raafat Kamal. This was well attended and ASNA chairman Nigel Nicholls presented a report for 2002 as well as setting out the aims and objectives for ASNA in the future. The new executive committee for 2003 was also voted in, with members as follows: Nigel Nicholls (Chair), Olivia Robinson (Treasurer) Sophia Nicholls (Secretary), Sarah Hurlow, Ethney Anderson, Anne Loftman, Karen Weekes and Jacqui Thorogood.

On Sunday morning Angela Sterling and Angela Woodburn presented "A Hope for Life". For many years both have been involved in providing a Christian home for people with disabilities.

Those with disabilities enjoyed a parallel programme during the weekend, catering for both their social and spiritual development. Outdoor activities included abseiling, climbing, search and rescue, and initiative games.

ASNA is run by volunteers and we would like to hear from anybody who is interested in giving their time or money to help. For more details contact: <asna@special1.fsnet.co.uk> or phone: 01491 833395.

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