Our annual Volunteer Enrichment Training, hosted once again by Willetton Parish, occurred on 26 July 2025. The training brought together 37 volunteers for a morning of learning, reflection, and shared purpose.
The first session, led by Paulina Howfield, explored the use of art therapy as a way to connect with non-verbal Friends and promote self-expression through creative means such as memory boxes, music, and guided relaxation. Her key message: focus on the journey, not the end product.
In the second session, Rachel Boon facilitated a workshop titled Shaping the Future of PAS, where volunteers shared their hopes and ideas for the organisation’s next chapter. Discussions highlighted the importance of engaging more parishes in hosting SPReD groups and Adapted Liturgies, maintaining financial sustainability, and continuing to build faith-based initiatives like the Community Garden.
Some highlights of the discussions include:
Community-Building Spaces (Cafés, gardens, gatherings)
Participants expressed a strong desire for welcoming, shared spaces where people can meet, volunteer, or simply enjoy time together.
Ideas included:
- Creating a PAS café staffed by people with disabilities
- A community garden (north and south of the river)
- Coffee catch-ups, casual gatherings, and soup lunches
Inclusive Liturgies and Parish Life
Many community members want PAS to be more visible and more active in parish liturgies.
Common hopes included:
- More Adapted Liturgies in more parishes
- Greater integration into parish Sunday Mass
- Encouraging wider parish communities to welcome and include PAS groups
Alongside music-heavy feedback, the community asked for fun, active events that bring people together. Suggestions included:
- Sports days
- Karaoke events
- More combined gatherings and social outings
Over the coming year, PAS will continue reviewing and reflecting this feedback as part of a wider planning process. We will work with our community to explore how these ideas can be developed and how we can best ensure the ongoing strength and sustainability of our mission.
These events reinforced that our volunteers are the heart of PAS — bringing passion, faith, and dedication to every group and activity. Together, they ensure our mission of inclusion and friendship continues to grow.