Causeway provides an opportunity for people with a learning disability to come together in worship, although anyone is welcome, and the group is steadily growing.
Residents and staff from Shaftesbury Hafan-y-Coed and Brodawel attend at the local community hall for two hours every Wednesday. They sing hymns, pray together, listen to readings or welcome a guest preacher.
“It’s an enjoyable way for the people we support to connect with the community and each other,” says Chika Chukwu, Registered Manager for Shaftesbury Hafan-y-Coed. She has been in the role five years and has worked at the service for 18 years.
The Causeway project was first initiated by Prospects, the Christian charity that merged with Shaftesbury in 2016. The idea is to promote full inclusion in churches and Christian organisations and facilitate personal spiritual development for people with learning disabilities.
Causeway in Aberystwyth partners with local churches including St Michael’s and Alfred Place Baptist Church. It is not compulsory to attend, but of the 10 people supported at Shaftesbury Hafan-y-Coed and Brodawel, eight are choosing to go every week. The use of sign language is available to ensure everyone can participate.
“We wanted to support the spiritual life of our residents and give them this opportunity to sing together and to pray for their families. Last Christmas, we invited family members who don’t live locally to join us. Everyone is very fond of Causeway and happy to have it back,” says Chika.