BETHEL Baptist Church in Upper Hale will hold an ‘Ability Sunday’ service this weekend for people with special educational needs.

It is part of a nationwide initiative headed up by the charity Prospects to show people with learning disabilities that “they are loved and made in God’s image”.

The service at Bethel Baptist Church, on Rushden Way, will take place at 10.30am on Sunday and the whole structure will be ordered and simplified to be autism and SEN-friendly.

It will last no more than an hour and will include Maketon signs and symbols throughout as well as sensory activities and a ‘time out’ space.

Organiser Kath Hitchings said: “People with special educational needs are among the most vulnerable in society but they have much to offer and disability doesn’t mean inability.

“I teach art at St Joseph’s Specialist School and College, Cranleigh, with learners aged five to 19 with autism and other learning difficulties.

“I have seen how the learners love engaging in the singing services with Makaton, instruments and the chance to move around.

“We already have people attending Bethel Baptist Church with special educational needs and I thought it would be focus especially on them one Sunday.”

Kath added: “All are welcome. If you or a child, grandchild or friend have special educational needs, come along. Don’t worry about the need to make noise, or to walk out, we are there for you.”

For more details, e-mail Kath Hitchings on [email protected] or call 07817567715.