The Choir with No Name, a charity that builds choir communities with people affected by homelessness, launches today in Sheffield Cathedral.
First rehearsals for a Choir with No Name in Sheffield
The new choir, a partnership project with Sheffield Cathedral and the Cathedral Archer Project which works with the homeless and vulnerable in the city, will hold its first rehearsal which will be followed by a free hot meal and creates a safe space for those more vulnerable to meet.
The Choir with No Name has been running choir communities involving the homeless in six cities across the UK over the last sixteen years and the Sheffield Project is their latest venture.
Tom Daggett, Director of Music and Schools Singing Programme at Sheffield Cathedral, said:
“Our ancient walls are ready to be filled with the noise of music, laughter, and conversation as The Choir with No Name comes to Sheffield.
“We hosted a volunteers’ briefing on Monday and the energy was buzzing,” he added.
The choir project will run every Monday evening from Jan – April and hopes to secure enough local support and funding to keep the choir running.
The Choir with No Name CEO, Dr Kate Wareham, who lives in Sheffield, said:
“I am thrilled to announce the launch of The Choir with No Name in Sheffield. This would not have been possible without the incredible support of the people of Sheffield, as well as the invaluable contributions of our partners, the Archer Project and Sheffield Cathedral.
“With homelessness at an all-time high in our city, this choir will provide a vital space for those facing challenging times to find community, connection, and support. It also celebrates Sheffield’s proud tradition of music, offering choir members the chance to rediscover their voice and identity through song.
“I am excited to watch this choir grow and become a cherished part of our city’s vibrant cultural landscape.”
Tim Renshaw, CEO of The Archer Project, said:
“This is a tremendous opportunity for the people taking part to feel good about life.
“When people initially come to us, people express feeling ostracised from the wider community – it is our organisation’s role to help people feel included again. At The Project, we have seen the positive impact of therapeutic peer support, which is why we have been singing The Choir with No Name’s praises and look forward to all future partnerships!”
The Choir with No Name has been changing the lives of people affected by homelessness since 2008 and now runs six choirs in London, Liverpool, Birmingham, Brighton, Cardiff and Coventry. Their choirs meet once a week to sing and eat a hot meal together. They perform regularly throughout the year at a wide variety of venues including homeless hostels, community festivals and world class music venues such as Brighton Dome and Cadogan Hall.
The Choir with No Name Sheffield is supported by Sheffield Town Trust, Sheffield Church Burgesses Foundation, JG Graves Charitable trust, Freshgate Foundation and AESSEAL Lieutenancy Fund.
Anyone interested in joining choir, volunteering or if you are a local homeless service and want to find out more, contact Choir Manager Juliet Kemp:
juliet@choirwithnonoame.org
