Adeyfield Free Church in Hemel Hempstead is pioneering a monthly Messy Church tailored to children with additional needs and their families. Founders Trish Hahn and Tim Wood share the joys and the challenges
‘It’s great to be able to take children with special needs somewhere where their differences are celebrated and accepted’ said one parent who attends Messy Church Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) run by Trish Hahn and Tim Wood of Adeyfield Free Church in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire. ‘We love the atmosphere – it’s friendly, lively and fun.’
Trish and Tim set up the project in 2011 as a new expression of church. Trish’s daughter has quadriplegic cerebral palsy and Trish wanted her to experience church in ways that met her needs.
‘Our aim is to make these families feel welcome, accepted and loved regardless of each child’s condition. We make Bible stories interactive, using puppets and drama, and adapt other resources where necessary. We also provide a variety of crafts and tactile activities to learn about God and his word, as well as a dedicated “chill-out” room with sensory toys,’ Trish explains.
Messy Church SEND takes place on Sunday afternoons monthly and has 37 regular families on its books. Between eight and 17 of these families, as well as a steady stream of newcomers, attend each month. Children attending have cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome, learning or physical disabilities, epilepsy, blindness or may be on the autistic spectrum.
‘When we meet, there is a real sense of God’s presence and favour,’ says Tim. For him, one of the particular successes of the ministry has been the relationships that are forming between families who attend. ‘Two single mums of children on the autistic spectrum have developed a really natural bond’ he says.
The project needs to undergo constant developments in order to continue to meet the needs of those who attend. Widgit symbols – small images that add visual support to printed text – which enable children of a range of abilities to better understand and communicate, have been introduced. As some of the children have very sensitive hearing, the sound system is turned off during sung worship and ear defenders provided.
Another recent development in the life of the project has been the introduction of Makaton. ‘We are learning to use this language programme – which uses speech, signs and symbols for basic communication – during the worship and prayer time,’ says Tim. He and Trish are working towards including Makaton alongside other forms of communication in the wider church.
Tim continues ‘As a church we believe that everyone, including those experiencing disability, are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). We want to accept, love and value every disabled child, and their family unit, encouraging them through love in action to personally know Jesus. As an “all-inclusive” community, we are learning to journey alongside these families to meet with God together in a unique and special way.’
Trish and Tim ’s top tips for making your children ’s group inclusive for those with additional needs
• Use visual, audible and tactile objects to act out story time and encourage greater participation. Try incorporating a parachute, water, sand or pebbles
• Local toy libraries are an untapped resource. They have a range of sensory, cause and effect and tactile toys to hire for a nominal fee
• Use jelly, custard, cornflakes, corn flour, pasta and Play dough for messy play
• Have a quiet room/chill-out space available – even a pop-up tent will do – for people on the autistic spectrum or those who need time out
• Provide a visual timetable of your programme of activities – use photos or pictures on a display board.
