Community singing group helps local people in Alnwick

A community-based singing group in Alnwick aimed at supporting vulnerable local people has blossomed thanks to a grant from the Percy Family Fund at the Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland.

‘Just Sing Alnwick’ was established by Alnwick Community Trust to create a safe and supportive environment for people to come together and sing. The group has a particular focus on welcoming people with a range of health issues.

The Trust became aware that not everyone wants to sing in a large formal choir and following requests, a smaller singing group was formed which allowed members who had lost confidence due to illness or state of wellbeing to join.

Elaine Holdsworth, Senior Philanthropy Advisor at Community Foundation said:

“The grant from the Percy Family Fund was crucial in helping establish this already well-loved group. The benefits of the group stretch beyond simply singing together, but providing a safe, encouraging space that positively impacts people’s wellbeing.”

Linda Wood-Mitchell, Chair of Alnwick Community Trust, recognises the impact that the grant has made to members:

“Some members never imagined that they would have the confidence to solo and some get quite emotional about their own improvement and confidence as well as the pleasure it brings at performances. It has been proven that singing not only lifts the spirits but also the group has benefitted from the friendships that they have made. We spend the first half hour catching up with everyone over a coffee and biscuits; this is as important as the singing”.

“Without the grant we would not have achieved the increased confidence levels that the members now experience and we are immensely grateful, thank you.”

Meeting regularly throughout the year, at the first ‘Just Sing Alnwick’ session they welcomed 25 people with varying needs, which has now grown to 35 regular members. The group sing popular songs from the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s and have a repertoire of almost 100 songs. This has culminated in several fun-filled performances at local venues and care homes.