A CARE provider for adults with learning difficulties and autism has released a Christmas sing-a-long clip to spread Christmas spirit in the community and encourage donations.

Creating Adventures is a registered charity based in Warrington which provides social activities for the adults under it’s care, including a Beautiful Noise Choir hosted weekly on zoom during the pandemic.

According to the care provider people with learning difficulties are seven times more likely to be lonely at Christmas and online groups like this one have become the highlight of their week.

Founder Jenny Allcock said about the impact of the pandemic on members: “I think it’s having a huge effect; I’ve certainly noticed a lot of them desperately wanting more of the social side of things.

“For a lot of adults with additional needs not being able to go to the clubs is hard enough but a lot of them also having to shield has been really tough for them.

“They’re the ones who’ve been struggling the most this year but their faces lit up at the thought of bringing joy to others and that’s what humbles me every time, they are such amazing people.”

The group is encouraging members of the community to record their own Christmas sing-a-long and share it with members by tagging #Christmassingalong on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

The carol concert was originally meant to be an open zoom event fundraiser where members of the community could join, but unfortunately due to the risk of bullying the event was members only.

Ms Allcock said: “We decided, in order to safeguard our members, to do it online and record it to show the wider community what they’ve been doing without putting them at any risk of bullying.”

Creating Adventures is asking members of the public to make a donation to support the choir in securing a venue for 2021, at a total annual running cost of £10,000.

Half of this is already covered by a grant from the Steve Morgan Foundation, which also enabled the charity to provide some members with an Ipad to engage in online groups during lockdown.

The appeal has so far raised £490 of the remaining target of £5,000.

The care provider has seen a reduction in funding this year due the impact of lockdown and the lack of fundraising events.

Creating Adventures will also be hosting a ‘Sparkle’ themed Christmas party for 30 members on zoom in the coming weeks.

In previous years parties were hosted at the Village Hotel in Warrington town centre who provided the room for free as well as food at a heavily discounted price, allowing members to enjoy a two-course meal, disco, DJ, karaoke and presents.

This year, because of Covid restrictions, staff will deliver a ‘sparkle box’ of gifts, Christmas accessories, chocolates and a Christmas buffet selection via Jasper’s Catering in time for the online party.

Ms Allcock said: “What we’re trying to do is bring the party to them.

“It gives them something to look forward to; some of them won’t have Christmas celebrations with family so it’s replacing that and it gives them that community feel and that sense of belonging.

“The Christmas party is instant joy of being able to join in something where everybody is happy and singing and they receive gifts and see that people are there for them.”

The zoom celebration will be hosted and DJ’d by 29-year-old Community Representative Oliver Thomason, who has Downs Syndrome.

Ms Allcock added: “Our activities provide members with an opportunity to shine.

“They can achieve great things and the additional needs they have shouldn’t stop them.”

The charity is also looking to secure a community space to run in-person activities and provide a social space for adults with learning difficulties and autism next year.

To watch the Christmas sing-a-long and make a donation visit: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/Christmas-sing-a-long.