Action for Children staff, young people and ambassadors attend the Royal carol concert
The festive event brought together communities from across the UK to celebrate kindness, compassion, and the spirit of Christmas.
On Friday 5 December, Action for Children staff, ambassadors and some of the incredible young carers we support, attended the 'Together at Christmas' carol service, hosted by our Royal Patron, The Princess of Wales.
This year marked the fifth annual 'Together at Christmas' at Westminster Abbey. The service, supported by The Royal Foundation, honours those who show love, compassion and community spirit across the UK.
On the night, the Abbey was decorated with Christmas trees, creating a warm and festive atmosphere for the 1,600 guests in attendance.
At the centre of the display was a 'connection tree', which encouraged guests to attach a paper chain with their name - each link symbolising togetherness and connection.
Throughout the evening, the Westminster Abbey choir performed popular carols, including Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.
Guests were also treated to musical performances by Katie Melua, Dan Smith, and Zac Abel, as well as poetry readings from Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor.
Among those in attendance was 16-year-old Meghan from Wales, and her Action for Children support worker, Vikki Phillips.
Meghan is a young carer for her little sister who has autism and severe learning disabilities. Vikki, has worked with us for almost 10 years at our Pembrokeshire Young Carers service.
The time, care and compassion you give, often quietly and unspoken, and without any expectation or recognition, make an extraordinary difference to the lives of others
HRH the Princess of Wales, in a letter ahead of the carol service
Other young people, ambassadors and staff among the guests included:
- Lynda Drury and Samantha Oliver from our residential and short breaks services in Buckinghamshire, who offer vital support to children with disabilities, and their families.
- Nicola Gubbins, Emily Evans and Alexandra Hoffman who support children with disabilities and their families at our West Hyde short breaks service, in Hertfordshire.
- Chan, one of our incredible Young Ambassadors and a dedicated volunteer who featured in our national brand video, 'Driven by Love.'
- Antiques Roadshow presenter and Action for Children Celebrity Ambassador, Ronnie Archer-Morgan. Ronnie grew up in the care of Action for Children (National Children’s Home) between 1950 and 1955.
- Claire Pentin and Lisa Flynn from our Mother and Baby Unit at HMP Styal in Cheshire, who welcomed the Princess during a visit to the prison early this year.
Lisa Flynn and Claire Pentin outside Westminster Abbey
Claire said: "We were honoured to be invited by the Governor from HMP Styal.
"The connection between the service and Action for Children was powerful - we are all driven by love and the importance to connecting with others. "
The Westminster Abbey service will be broadcast as part of Royal Carols: Together at Christmas, a special programme airing on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve, with a repeat showing on Christmas Day morning.
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