“Our hearts are full”: A Christmas fayre filled with fun and community spirit

Posted on 8 December 2025

This weekend, one of our Learning Disability services in West Sussex opened its doors for a truly special Christmas fayre. Surrounded by festive decorations and a warm sense of togetherness, the event brought the story of Christmas to life for everyone who joined us.

A highlight of the afternoon was a sensory storytelling session led by members of the local church. With props, music, and gentle narration, they retold the story of the birth of Jesus Christ to a captivated audience. This was followed by lots of carol singing, also led by the church visitors, filling the room with familiar songs that lifted spirits and invited everyone to join in.

The fayre also featured a wonderful selection of stalls selling handmade crafts, festive decorations, cards, and mosaics created by clients with support from colleagues. With cakes, hot drinks, a raffle, and a lucky draw that sparked delighted cheers (and a few playful groans), the day offered many joyful moments and opportunities to connect.

Families of the people we support joined in the celebration, some volunteering on stalls, and colleagues and clients from other services also came along. These cross-service connections mean a great deal to our clients and bring an added sense of togetherness. One colleague even brought her musical talents, filling the room with festive tunes and adding to the magic.

Avril, the Service Manager reflected on what makes the fayre so special:

“Producing our Christmas Fayre is a highlight of the year. It brings whole communities together. Staff work so hard in the lead-up, clients create items to sell, and families get involved – baking, organising, supporting. It’s all about community spirit. It’s also special because staff and clients from different services can meet and reconnect. We feel blessed to host such a cherished event.”

Allison, regular visitor to the service shared:

“We’ve been coming for many years. We’ve come to know some of the families and people who live here, and we always feel welcomed. Joining in with the carols lifted our spirits, our hearts are full.”

A parent who also volunteered to help organise the event, expressed what the day means to her family:

“My daughter loves the singing and the sensory story. It’s wonderful that everything is made inclusive, and that we can all come together like this, especially at this time of year.”

A heartfelt thank you to our colleagues, clients, families, volunteers, church partners, and visitors who helped make this Christmas fayre such a vibrant and memorable celebration of community.

Below are some photos from the day: