Read the  ASNA 10 year celebration newletter and annual report here.

On October 7th this year Premier hosted the Enabling Church Conference. A selection of top quality speakers shared their insight for disability through their own experience or that of their families, and offered their Biblical reflections on the subject. The idea was to stimulate a conversation concerning a truly Christian response to disability and disabled people, their inclusion and involvement in every aspect of Church life. Whether you missed the event, or just wanted a reminder of some of the key points, you can listen to all the brilliant talks by following this link. Enabling church resources. You will find a wealth of knowledge and information to help support your ministry in your church and community

I find him real…!

The words of the chairman of ASNA, Nigel Nicholls after listening to the beautiful sounds of  Neville Peters, a talented musician who writes and performs his own music. Nigel continues….’You can always hear his voice. You  hear every word, the music never predominates….’

Follow this link to hear to Neville sing and be blessed by the voice of an angel.

• Just like an angel
• Always
• This time its personal

I often get phone calls from church members around disability and access. I recently received a call from a member….’I am a newly appointed disability coordinator in my church. Do you have any ideas and suggestions to get me started?’ I was able to give a number of suggestions to help get her started. I was particularly pleased to hear that she had the ‘Disability coordinators Manual’ launched in 2008 at the annual disability cocoordinators conference and that she was using it as a reference and training tool. She was finding the manual very useful as an introduction to disability issues and was even quoting references to support her passion and ideas.

This manual was developed by ASNA in partnership with the BUC as a training tool to enable and empower volunteers who support the involvement of disabled members in the life of the church. Disability coordinators also determine and address access issues and raise the awareness of the needs of disabled people with in the church. The manual was  designed in a A4 ringbinders as a resource that could be easily updated.

You can now download the Disability Coordinators Training Manual by following this link on this website! Send us an email once you have downloaded a copy and let us know how useful you find the document. If you would like a ring bound copy of the manual, please email us on info@asna.info.

What do people say about……
ASNA Carers weekends:

Just a quick line to say hi and thanks for such a good weekend it was good fun, laughter and yes spiritual healing for me.

You dont all know but i had a very bad week and it was so nice to be around people like you guys loving,caring and funny…..good,understanding and most of all fun.

We all had a good time as a result of that trip i joined the gym on Monday gone and went today it was fab i have a long way to go but i will look better soon for myself.

Imagine you dont have to drink to have this much fun.

I would like to say that as usual I enjoyed the weekend and always gain alot from the weekends spiritually, socially and physically. I thoroughly enjoyed the weekend away

Thank you again for a lovely weekend.

What do Young Carers say about the Bright Futures project?

What I enjoyed most and why?

“The beach – because I haven’t been on a beach since I was two years old.”

“Splash down Get down – high ropes, beach, splash down, bowling .. everything.”

“Everything – meeting new people. This week was great”

“The way everyone got on with one another/looked after each other.”

“The group discussion sessions really made me think about the importance of developing my personal character”

Who are  Young Carers?

Several definitions of a ‘young carer’ exist in current legislation and guidance. In 1995, the Social Services Inspectorate defined a young carer as: “A child or young person (under age 18) who is carrying out significant caring tasks and assuming a level of responsibility for another person, which would usually be taken by an adult.” (Department of Health, 1995, Chief Inspector letter C1 (95)12)

The Carers’ (Recognition and Services) Act 1995 uses the definition: “Children and young people (under 18) who provide or intend to provide a substantial amount of care on a regular basis.” A detailed discussion of the existing legislation used to define young carers can be found in Baker (PRTC, 2002). It concludes that “current legislation, even the most recent, does little to stop or support children caring for a relative at home”.

In 1998, the Carers National Association (now Carers UK) defined a young carer as: “anyone under the age of 18 whose life is in some way restricted because of the need to take responsibility for the care of someone who is ill, has a disability, is experiencing mental distress, or is affected by substance misuse.” This last definition highlights the importance of taking into account not only the extent and nature of caring but also the actual or potential impact it has on the young carer. Another definition – “A young carer is someone of 16 years of age or younger, who because of a parent’s disability undertakes essential and perhaps non-essential caring tasks (personal care, housework, fetching and carrying) over and above what would normally be expected of their peer group. They may also be undertaking this role willingly, or through necessity because the disabled parent is not receiving this assistance from social services, or from a responsible adult.

Young Carers enjoy the Bright Futures week holiday

A ‘disabled parent’ can also include a parent with a drug or alcohol addiction, or long-term illness.”

ASNA recognises the needs of young carers and in response to this need, has developed the Bright Futures project enabling families to feel supported.

YC are at risk of social exclusion as a result of their duties. Young carers are also likely to experience economic problems due to missed school opportunities as a result of  their caring responsibilities. This project aims to give YC an opportunity to meet with other YC in similar situations. Here they will share experiences, feel supported, receive advice on future plans, make new friends and have fun!

“What do young carers say about having a brother or sister with a disability?”

“The experience of having a brother or sister with a disability ivaries – not all disabled siblings are the same.

It’s like being a parent already.

Having a sister with a disability is like a challenge. The challenge is to be extra-nice and extra-caring. However it’s not as difficult as some people think. Some siblings can communicate and care for themselves to an extent.”

“Having a brother with disability is very great because he is really bright and active and I have lots of fun. We get to do lots of things, like going on holiday and trips. I am very lucky that I have my brother; he is a child of God and God will help him get better and he might walk.”

“It’s quite hard at the start of all the drama but when you become good buddies with your sibling you begin to look at the good times instead of the bad, and understand that it’s the way it is. But it does make me think every now and again ‘why?’ and what everyone’s life would be like if he didn’t have a disability.”

What do Young Carers say about the Bright Futures project?

What I enjoyed most and why?

“The beach – because I haven’t been on a beach since I was two years old.”

“Splash down Get down – high ropes, beach, splash down, bowling .. everything.”

“Everything – meeting new people. This week was great”

“The way everyone got on with one another/looked after each other.”

“The group discussion sessions really made me think about the importance of developing my personal character”

The freezing subzero temperatures could not cool the hearts and hospitality of the Dublin SDA Church members as they welcomed Sophia, Nigel and Christopher -James Nicholls to the Dublin SDA Church Disability Awareness day held on the  28th November 2009.

Thanks to the organisation and commitment of the coordinator in Dublin, Dorothy Mulenga, ASNA had an excellent opportunity to provide an afternoon of disability awareness training where members were encouraged to address the barriers preventing inclusion and access to services provided by the church.

Christopher - James and Dorothy

Disability awareness day in Dublin, 28th November 2009

Sophia (ASNA Trainer) and Dorothy (Dublin coordinator)

The morning service was presented by Sharon Platt MacDonald (BUC Health ministries Director). Her enthusiasm and commitment to the ministry was demonstrated through her sermon ‘at the table’.

ASNA trainers Sophia, Nigel with parent carer Mary in the middle

Mary, mother of a young boy with autism, shared her personal experience of the challenges and joys she faces every day caring for her son. Her heart- felt testimony inspired many to support her family and those within the community.

Sophia and Nigel shared their personal testimony and how their experience drew them to start ASNA.  Christopher- James their son, shared his personal experience of living with a brother with severe disabilities and being a young carer. He also described how much he enjoyed the Bright Futures summer break where he was able to meet other young carers giving him a sense of community with others living similar lives as his own.

Training Conference 2009 – Enabling Change: Supporting Leaders in Disabilities Ministry

The joint annual Disabilites Training Conference for Disability Coordinators took place on the 1st November 2009 at the Penderford SDA Church, Wolverhampton. The event was organised by ASNA and the BUC with guest speakers Nigel Nicholls (Chairman, ASNA), Tim Wood (Development Director) & Philipa Woodcroft from Through The Roof, Grace Walsh (NEC Health Director) and Jeff Nicholson (Pastor from NEC). This years conference gave coordinators an opportunity to share good practice and learn new skills to support the work in thier local communities.

Workshops included: Sharing Good Practice across the UK, Manual Handling, Disability Awareness, Supporting people who are blind, Bible stories with a difference.

Philippa gave an inspirational testimony and ended with a  hymn written by Fanny J Crosby.

Philipa presents an inspirational testimony at ASNA / BUC joint conference

What delegates said about the conference:

What did you find most helpful about the conference?

“Hearing how all the Church is doing gives you ideas.”

“Hearing from other co-ordinators from other churches; looking at how they have made changes and how they have got other members in their churches to take part.” “

The experience shared by Philippa about being blind and that of Tim Wood about what Through the Roof is doing to help those with special needs.”

“Personal experiences – make me feel ‘I can do that; the Through the Roof presentation; sharing good practice; supporting people with disabilities rather than special needs – needs clarification.”

“Feedback from other churches on their achievements; presenters.”

Interactive bible stories

Experiencial learning: Learning cane skills

The Ilford SDA church disabilities team experience a tactile story book

10th Anniversary Celebrations continue with an extended ASNA family respite weekend 2011.

• ASNA 10th family weekend 2011 will take place at the Frontier centre, Northants, ,  15th – 18th April 2011.
• A short break for families living with disabilities to meet other families in similar situations to share ideas, peer support, relaxation, emotional support and training opportunties.
• Children and adults with disabilites are supported by 1: 1 CRB checked and trained volunteers.

See leaflet below for further details:

• Family Respite Weekend leaflet: Page 1 | Page 2 | A4 poster

Register your interest and book on line. Follow this link

Follow these links for:

What families say about ASNA weekends…..

A great time to come away and meet other families

We don’t have to apologise for our sons disability or try to explain his behaviour to anyone because everyone understands!

Thank you ASNA for a fantastic time away.

I have never left my daughter with anyone before. After this weekend, I would definately feel happy to leave her with your wonderful volunteers again. Looking forward to next year.

Respite Weekend celebration camp-fire

New experiences for all

Taking risks

Further details coming soon to this site.

Supporting Adults and children with disabilities