The Enabling All network

Enabling All is a network of individuals who enable, equip and empower churches to be places of belonging. This involves strategic work nationally, during an exciting time of new focus and passion. By connecting with and learning from others, in this work through local, Diocese ( link to Our Place in the Diocese) , and nationally, in particular the main group in the Church of England called Barrier-free Belonging on the Church of England website. We are proud to be part of the changes that disabled and neurodivergent people have been calling for generations. 

These are mostly volunteers, supported by Revd. Zoe Heming and Su Parker. 

Revd Zoe Heming

Email: zoe.heming@lichfield.anglican.org
Mobile: 07871 622598

Diocesan Enabling All Church Advisor Zoe's passion for the Enabling All (EA) work draws on her personal experience of how inaccessible groups and churches can be as a disabled vicar with dyslexia and ADHD. Zoe has been a member of General Synod and its Committee for the Ministry of Deaf and Disabled People (CMDDP) since 2015; the Disability Task Group;  Accessible Liturgy working group drafting new Guidance for churches on how to ensure that all services are as inclusive as possible); the national Disability Task Group and Chair of the new senior leadership development programme "Enabling Leaders" investing in the vocations of disabled, deaf and neurodivergent lay & ordained ministers.

Su Parker

Email: enabling.all@lichfield.anglican.org

PA to the Enabling All Disability Advisor Su supports Revd Zoe Hemming at Enabling All. She is passionate about making sure that our churches build communities that are welcoming to all. For over 10 years she has worked in different areas where welcome is central, including Dementia-friendly Churches and Places of Welcome. She has lived with disabilities in the past and is neurodivergent.

Our place in the diocese

We are in the process of forming a network of lay and ordained people with personal instights or interest in disability and neurodivergence.

With a growing network of people sharing simple, practical advice for churches and community groups, the team are excited to be part of equipping, empowering and enabling others to notice and remove access barriers. 

Enabling All is part of Strengthening Communities whose mission is to know and love our communities, partnering with others in seeking the common good, working for justice, as people of hope.

We work across all ministries in the diocese but have particular involvement with the Diocesan Advisory Committee when parishes are making changes to buildings. We also offer an access auditing scheme - either through a self-guided checklist or having someone with personal insights view your building with fresh perspective - email if interested.

We have been involved in raising awareness and proving training across the diocese, from volunteers and vicars, to bishops, archdeacons and senior staff. If you would like to request specific training or be involved in delivering training, please get in touch.

As well as working strategically with partners, we work to support and signpost disabled and neurodivergent people in their own context. If you would like to arrange a one to one conversation please get in touch.