This will be a Christmas to remember for four of our support workers, who were personally invited to attend Westminster Abbey for the Together at Christmas carol concert hosted by HRH The Princess of Wales.
Nnennaya, Opeyemi, Ifeoma and Promise are all Shaftesbury Enabling Support Workers based in Gateshead. They joined 1,800 guests, including senior royals and celebrities, for an unforgettable experience at the historic abbey on 5 December.
This year’s concert was a celebration of love in all its forms and the contribution made by community heroes. Shaftesbury nominated the women to attend in recognition of the impact they have made on the lives of people they support.
The four have previously won a Shaftesbury team award for their work with a particular person who was living in a challenging environment and needed support moving to her own home.
It was a sensitive situation, but the team really pulled together to overcome barriers, according to Sandra, Shaftesbury’s Complex Care Manager in the North East. “The growth of the person we support during that transition was beautiful to see,” she said.
The impact Nnennaya, Opeyemi, Ifeoma and Promise have made on the individual’s life has been recognised by care sector professionals and members of the person’s family, which Sandra believes has inspired other Shaftesbury teams. She’s delighted the four of them got this opportunity to enjoy such a memorable night in celebration of all they have achieved in their roles.
They each received a letter from The Princess of Wales that read: “The time, care and compassion you give, often quietly and unspoken… make an extraordinary difference to the lives of others.”
The concert, now in its fifth year, featured carols, poems read by actors Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor, songs performed by Katie Melua and Dan Smith, and a Bible reading by The Prince of Wales.
“Hearing the choir sing traditional Christmas hymns in such a beautiful, historic space, with combination of the voices echoing through the abbey and the readings about the birth of Jesus created a truly moving and unforgettable atmosphere,” said Promise.
What stood out most to Nnennaya was the balance between tradition and heartfelt personal touches: “The service felt centred on community, gratitude, and togetherness, especially through the readings and musical performances that highlighted themes of hope and compassion,” she said.
What Opeyemi enjoyed most was the singing of the carols: “Hearing several voices joining as one in such an iconic setting was incredible,” she reflected. Ifeoma too enjoyed “meeting with different people and listening to carols, hymns and sermons.”
Together at Christmas will be broadcast on ITV 1 and ITV X at 7.25pm on Christmas Eve and 6am on Christmas Day.