A tradition of joy: Highlights from our annual Christmas carol concert

Posted on 4 December 2025

At Southdown, we believe that connection helps people thrive in their communities. And our annual Christmas Carol Concert is one of the most joyful expressions of that belief. Created and nurtured by our Learning Disability services over many years, this much-loved tradition has become a highlight for many across Southdown.

Each year, it brings together clients and support workers from our Learning Disability services, along with colleagues from across Southdown, for a celebration full of warmth and togetherness. This year, we were also pleased to welcome C-suite and Board members, who joined in the festivities. Jo Raisey, Chief Experience & Transformation Officer, reflected on the spirit of the occasion:
 “This concert embodies everything we stand for at Southdown – community, inclusion, and celebration. It’s a privilege to be part of such a joyful tradition that means so much to our clients and teams alike.”

Anita, Head of Learning Disability Services, not only welcomed everyone but also played the keyboard alongside our clients, helping bring each song to life. She shared her appreciation for everyone involved:
“It was another fantastic Christmas celebration. Thank you to everyone who came and got involved, who supported people to have a brilliant time, and to those behind the scenes helping the event run smoothly.”

We were also delighted to have Sarah back to support the Makaton signing alongside Jennie, one of our clients. Signing songs is an important part of our commitment to inclusion, helping everyone to engage with the music fully.

“I’m really so excited about the Christmas Carol Concert because I like singing to the carols and helping Sarah with the Makaton. This concert is important because it means all the services can get together. It’s really nice to see people I haven’t seen in a while,” shared Jennie reflecting on how much the concert means to her.

“I like dressing up for it. I’m wearing a blue Christmas jumper with a reindeer on it! It’s nice to be given the choice to attend the concert. I make lots of choices and also get support making some choices. Support is really important to me.”
– Jennie, our client

“The best bit about the Christmas Carol Concert is joining up every year with other services. I just love it. And singing the Christmas carols. I love it! 

I like dressing up my chair. I’m Elf on the Shelf this year. My chair is the shelf and I’m the elf!” 
– Jessica, our client

Colleagues echoed the sense of joy. Jim, a Support Worker, said:
“It is truly a joyous day seeing all the people living in Southdown learning disability services celebrating together. Clients look forward to it. We all do!”

Kirstie, a central services colleague also reflected on the joy of the day: “The Carol Concert is one of my absolute favourite days of the year. The room is full to the brim with joy, and it’s a true delight to meet clients, to listen to them sing, to dance along, and to see the incredible work they and their support workers have put into their costumes. Our clients, support workers and managers are phenomenal and the concert a wonderful opportunity to celebrate them.”

The concert was full of festive highlights, from open mic performances and beautifully decorated baubles to creative hats, outfits, and adorned wheelchairs that lit up the room. The atmosphere was filled with singing, dancing, laughter, and real moments of connection.

And the celebration had one final surprise – a visit from Santa himself! With a booming “Ho, ho, ho!”, he handed out gifts, posed for photos, and spread extra holiday cheer, closing the event with smiles all around.

From the first note of “Jingle Bells” to the last mince pie, the event was everything Christmas should be -joyful, warm, and brimming with togetherness. We’re thankful to everyone who contributed to this beautiful tradition, which continues to bring so much joy across Southdown each year.

Take a look at some of the photos from the event below.

Watch the special video message from Matt Gough, our Chief Operating Officer

Simon is someone we support and loves to play his guitar at our annual Christmas Carol Concert. Hear from him what he likes about this event.

Photo gallery: