This community choir, based in South Derbyshire, target their services at local care homes and other settings where elderly members of the community appreciate entertainment.
The choir truly believe in the power of music in terms of lifting spirits, reconnecting with memories and bringing residents together to reduce the isolation/depression that can arise when moved into a caring environment.
The choir members also directly benefit, as many members live alone and with the average age being 77 the singers also value the social aspect of being part of the choir. They also feel it has a positive impact on their physical and mental health but the Foundation recognises them as fantastic volunteers in their own right, providing a great community service.
The John Weston Fund provided a small grant of £750 to help transport the Choir to the care homes they play at. Many of the choir members no longer drive or feel unsafe driving at night, so without transport, they simply would not be able to function and the choir would dissolve.
This grant has helped knit us together as a group, we’ve reached out to new care homes where we simply would not have been able to get to before and we have been overwhelmed by the thank you letters.
I would like to thank the Breakaway Singers for another great performance at Cedar Tree Home, Mackworth. I really enjoyed every part of it and I am so glad I came along. A choir of singers like you bring so much pleasure.
A BIG thank you for all your cards and phone calls, they are very much appreciated whilst my ankle is on the mend. I really miss you all at practice and going to the different venues – I will be back as soon as I can.
Choir Member