On March 1st, The Dean of Sheffield will swap her cassock for her anorak to walk 100km of the Camino De Santiago pilgrim trail in support of the Choir with No Name.
Founded in 2008 on the premise that singing makes you feel good, the Choir with No Name is dedicated to building singing communities with people impacted by homelessness and marginalisation. Since then, over 6,500 people have sung with the Choir with No Name, with many transforming their lives, going on to find work and accommodation. Currently based in six cities: Birmingham, Liverpool, London, Coventry, Brighton and Cardiff, the organisation has recently launched a new choir in Sheffield.
Home to Sheffield Cathedral, the only English Cathedral to support a homeless service from its premises, Sheffield the Choir with No Name is being run in partnership with the Archer Project. With membership being open to anyone with an experience with homelessness or marginalisation, the choir offers connection and musical creativity to a wide range of people. Alongside the Archer Project, additional support services are working closely with the Choir with No Name team to point out people who may benefit from the project.
Meeting once a week for a cup of tea and a catch-up, a sing-along and a hot meal cooked by volunteers, the choir aims to make a difference in how people feel about themselves, building diverse communities that share in the joy of music. Already bringing people together, the choir saw a large crowd including the Cathedral Clergy, singing along at the pilot launch last October. Chaplaincy services are also available for anyone involved with the choir who wishes to speak with a priest.
Sharing in the charity's passion for the ability of music to release joy and healing, Dean Abi will be joined by the Cathedral Director of Music and Choir Member Emily Cooper as she walks 100km to raise a target of £6000 for the new choir.
The Very Revd Abi Thompson, Dean of Sheffield, said: “Music unites people of all kinds of backgrounds, builds community and forges friendships and connections that make all the difference when life is tough. Having ‘The Choir with No Name’ in Sheffield is a welcome and exciting addition to the variety of music-making that happens in the Cathedral.’
Costing £50,000 a year, the Choir with No Name sources funding from local and national grant-giving bodies as well as through community-based fundraising efforts such as the ongoing sponsored Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage. With the start date of the walk rapidly approaching and half of the target funds reached, the appeal for donations is ongoing.
Your help would be greatly appreciated. You can sponsor Abi, Tom and Emily by clicking the button below.
Sharing in the charity's passion for the ability of music to release joy and healing, Dean Abi will be joined by the Cathedral Director of Music and Choir Member Emily Cooper as she walks 100km to raise a target of £6000 for the new choir.
The Very Revd Abi Thompson, Dean of Sheffield, said: “Music unites people of all kinds of backgrounds, builds community and forges friendships and connections that make all the difference when life is tough. Having ‘The Choir with No Name’ in Sheffield is a welcome and exciting addition to the variety of music-making that happens in the Cathedral.’
Costing £50,000 a year, the Choir with No Name sources funding from local and national grant-giving bodies as well as through community-based fundraising efforts such as the ongoing sponsored Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage. With the start date of the walk rapidly approaching and half of the target funds reached, the appeal for donations is ongoing.
Your help would be greatly appreciated. You can sponsor Abi, Tom and Emily by clicking the button below.