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Singing our way out of homelessness
Inside Housing’s Christmas appeal aims to raise £6,500 for the Choir with No Name. Rachel Clare explains how the choir gives confidence, relief and support to homeless people
The reasons someone might become homeless, and the challenges they face once they are in that position, are about much more than a lack of housing.
People often experience several additional difficulties – including mental health issues, relationship breakdown, bereavement, and alcohol and drug addiction – and even when rehoused, they may feel alone and socially isolated.
“Joining the Choir with No Name can be the first step towards building enough self-confidence to get back on their feet.”
This is where the Choir with No Name comes in. We are a small charity that runs choirs for people affected by homelessness and marginalisation, and we currently have choirs in London, Birmingham and Liverpool.
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Our choirs rehearse once a week – followed by a hot, nutritious meal together – and perform regularly at venues ranging from local homelessness hostels to the Royal Festival Hall and everything in between.
We pride ourselves on our uplifting live performances that give our members a musical platform on which to shine – and nothing is more uplifting that singing Bohemian Rhapsody at the top of your lungs!
“Members build up a sense of self-worth they may have lost.”
For our choir members, joining the Choir with No Name can be the first step towards building enough self-confidence to get back on their feet and away from homelessness for the long term.
Through being part of a supportive choir family, members build up a sense of self-worth they may have lost. They get to experience the many proven mental and physical health benefits of singing together, as well as an opportunity to develop new skills; make genuine, lifelong friendships; have fun and leave their troubles at the door every week.
Our choirs fill the gap between someone seeking help to move away from homelessness, and that person being ready to take on life’s other challenges, such as finding a job or accessing rehabilitation services.
Ultimately our choirs provide much-needed humanity and personal connection that is so often missing for the most marginalised members of society – something so many of us take for granted. Engaging in meaningful activities and finding a place where they belong can be the catalyst for someone taking steps towards long-term, positive change in their lives.
I’ll leave you with the words of Ronnie, a former member of our North London choir: “Things had got pretty desperate for me. I [was in] a notorious hostel barely fit for human habitation. If I’m honest, I didn’t think I would make it through, but I made it and Choir with No Name was a large part of that.
“In the space of a year I went from a desperate situation that I saw no way out of, to living in my own flat, a place on a web design course, counselling for my depression and a future ahead of me. I owe a lot of that to the Choir with No Name for giving me the confidence, belief and opportunity to do it, as well as the support and friendship from the people I have met there. My life has changed beyond recognition.
“When you’re homeless, so much of what you experience strips you of your dignity. The Choir with No Name gave me hope and optimism. It was my North Star in a constellation of helplessness. It gave me my dignity back.”
Rachel Clare, fundraising and communications manager, Choir with No Name
