The Enterprise turns into Santa’s grotto for Teddington Christmas Lights Up

We all want a perfect Christmas. To be honest, that’s part of the stress.   

We want to grasp onto something we can barely remember; an old, deep, magical feeling that always seems to slip through our fingers. The challenges of adult life won’t give us a Christmas break, and that can be really hard.  

Sometimes we need other people to give us a little bit of a helping hand, to pull together, to welcome us, and to show us that just maybe, Christmas magic isn’t only the stuff of school nativity plays.  

That’s where our Teddington service, the Enterprise Hub comes in.

Bringing the community back together after Covid-19 

It was a cold, blustery winter evening. Not put off by the weather, the communities of Richmond and Teddington were out and about, ready to add some light to the cold and dark nights.  

It was the day of the Christmas lights switch on, and inside the Enterprise Hub, Santa and the elves were busy at work. People we support and staff, many in fabulous costumes, were getting ready to host a magical welcome for the local community. Fairy lights were being switched on, Mariah Carey was blaring, and the service was buzzing.  

This was the first time in three years that everyone was able to come back together to celebrate the Christmas lights switch on. While everyone had big plans for 2021, the celebrations were cut down when a sudden lockdown was announced. Finally, it was time for the main celebration to return.  

Matt Campbell, Service Manager, explained:  

It was important to do it again. We wanted to make this year even more special as we haven’t been able to give it to people we support.

Michael Condon, Area Manager, added:   

For me personally, this event is about getting out and spreading our word in the community. It’s really important that we have a presence locally.

The Enterprise Hub has a deep connection with its local community, and hosts regular activities for local young people. Holly, who lives locally to the Enterprise and enjoys visiting with her children, reflected:   

To me, this is a little community centre, a community hub, a home away from home. The staff here are wonderful. It’s where everyone’s equal and nobody is judged. It doesn’t matter what walk of life you are from – everyone is the same and everyone gets equal opportunities.

A sprinkling of Christmas magic  

With a little sparkle of imagination, anywhere can become a Christmas wonderland. In the furthest corner of the furthest room at the Enterprise Hub, in a grotto of glitter and magic, sat Santa and his elf, Kayleigh.  

The idea for the grotto came from Alex (otherwise known as Santa Clause!). Inspired by his Mum’s passion for Christmas, Alex wanted to make sure the Enterprise went all out. Santa was a true treat for the young and old alike, and people queued up all night to greet everyone’s childhood hero.  

When the crowds eventually quietened down, I sat down outside the grotto with Alex and Team Leader, Nora Kerezovic, to learn how they made the celebration happen.  

Nora said, 

We just had teamwork and imagination, and this was the result! A minimal amount of money was spent to create something that left families in awe. Days like today mean everything.

Alex added,

It wasn’t just staff who made everything happen, we got involved in the decisions as well.  There’s no price on this. If you want something like this, you have to do it.

Blue at Christmas?  

Not everyone likes hustle and bustle. For some people, noise, lights and sensory changes can be challenging, whatever the time of year. 

Seizing the opportunity to make real change, the team at the Enterprise Hub decided to launch a fundraising initiative at the celebration. Service Manager Angelika, her seven-year-old son Eli, and support worker Ross, all dyed their hair in United Response blue to raise money for a sensory space at a local service.  

Explaining the fundraiser, Ross said:

We’re raising money for a new shed for a house with five young men with learning disabilities and communication needs. They’ve got a broken old shed in the garden, which we’re going to replace with a nice new one and turn into a sensory space and relaxation area.

Despite being only seven, Eli was very keen to get involved.  

I wanted to help to hopefully raise more awareness and money. I also wanted to get involved because it would make me happy to know if I can help. I want to show that sometimes it’s a bit tricky for other people and if they donate, they could help them out a lot.

Angelika explained that the blue hair will help make their fundraising campaign more visible, which is important at this time of year:

“If people ask and we have a chance to talk about it, especially at a time like now, like Christmas, everyone is shopping, there’s so much noise and lights and changes, for autistic people it can be very…”

“Overwhelming?” Eli suggested.

“Overwhelming, thank you Eli! If we can start talking about it maybe people will realise there are tiny things they can do that don’t cost them anything.”

Home from home

This was a night that was full of magic, warmth, and laughter. Music blared, children cradled tombola gifts, people laughed over cake, and three people got brand new hair styles!  

Today was a triumph!

Jake, a person we support

There is a power in a bit of tombola, a dance to Mariah Carey, and a piece of tasty velvet cake. They are symbols of the little things that we do that bring magic, community, and love to ourself and others, whatever the challenges of everyday life may be.  

How would we describe United Response? Home from home!

Jack, a person we support, and Louisa, one of our support workers

Whether you are going home to a family this Christmas or not, the Enterprise Hub will be there with open arms.  

You can find out more about The Enterprise and their upcoming events on Facebook.

• Ali Mills is Communications and Engagement Officer at United Response