Festive Fun at Southdown’s Learning Disability Service Christmas Carol Concert
Posted on 6 December 2024
Our Learning Disability Service hosted its much-loved annual Christmas Carol Concert on Thursday 4th December
The carol concert is a highlight for our Learning Disability Support services, with clients and staff coming together for an afternoon filled with Christmas hats and jumpers, festive fun, mince pies, good cheer, competitions, and music.
The costumes this year were an absolute stand-out! Clients, support workers, and staff went all out, from festive headpieces to creative Christmas jumpers that could give any holiday catalogue a run for its money.
Clients produced wonderful Christmas canvas artwork which were put on display, Charlotte from Windebanks service won the best Christmas canvas competition. This year, clients Helen and Marc, from our Roman Court service requested to perform the 12 Days of Christmas – it was just joyous to see everyone sing and sign along to each day.
Staff from across the Southdown, including the C-suite, joined in the carolling, soaking up the festive vibes. Thanks to Neil Blanchard for his enthusiastic hosting of the event!
Louise Boorman, who brilliantly organised the event with her team, said:
“An enormous thank you to all our super star helpers yesterday who helped to set up, decorate, were competition judges, took photos, filmed, helped with music and sound, performed Makaton, helped with the 12 Days of Christmas signs, assisted with refreshments. We couldn’t have done it without you, and it is greatly appreciated.”
Caroline, one of our support workers, shared what makes this event so special:
“They (clients) really look forward to this event every year. Being together and listening to music is the best part. In my 12 years with them, I have seen them change so much, but this event remains the same.”
And the day had one final festive surprise—a visit from Santa himself! With a booming “Ho, ho, ho!”, he brought gifts, posed for photos, and spread extra holiday cheer. It was the perfect ending to a day filled with music, dancing, warmth and connection.
Reflecting on the event, the Fran Vidal, Manager Operation for Learning Disability Service, said:
“This year’s Christmas Carol Concert… wow! It was a modest celebration but one of the most memorable I’ve attended. Seeing the amazing costumes, the laughter, and the level of engagement from clients and staff was truly special. The interactions and moments of joy made me so proud of what we do. Thank you to everyone who helped make it happen and to everyone who came along to celebrate with us.”
From the first note of “Jingle Bells” to the last mince pie, the event was everything Christmas should be—joyful, warm, and brimming with togetherness. A huge thank you to everyone who made it so memorable. With the event, we can surely say — it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
Take a look at some of the photos from this amazing event
