The Choir With No Name, Liverpool’s choir of people who have experienced homelessness has been fortunate to be offered a grant from The Morgan Foundation of £45,000.

The Choir with No Name is a national charity with choirs located in North and South London, Birmingham and Liverpool. The Liverpool branch of The Choir with No Name was formed in January 2014, to engage people who have experienced homelessness and others on the margins. Their choir enables members to make friends, build confidence and skills and re-find their place in the world. Whether they’ve been homeless, have a mental health problem or are otherwise struggling, CWNN Liverpool offers a safe, supportive environment in which to sing away worries, have fun and flourish as individuals.

Each week members meet in the city centre at Bluecoat to learn new songs, meet new friends and enjoy a hot home-cooked meal after rehearsals.

Choir With No Name Liverpool manager Ema Quinn said:

“The last year has been incredible for our choir members who have joined the Liverpool group. We’ve performed sell out gigs at London’s Royal Festival Hall, taken part in Liverpool Pride Festival,  and are currently rehearsing for a newly commissioned piece for the Folk on the Dock festival as well as a number of corporate and charity gigs across the city.   This grant from the Morgan Foundation will help secure the choir over the next three years so we can continue expanding and working the people who most need us, it’s very exciting!”

Jane Harris, administrator of The Morgan Foundation, said:

 “The Trustees thought that the Choir was an innovative way of helping people who have experienced difficulties in their lives and are delighted to be able to support the work they do.”

A choir member who has experienced homelessness said:

“I didn’t know what to expect when I came to choir that first time. I didn’t even realise I could sing but I now know I can! I’ve even done some solo performances this year which were scary but made me feel brilliant. I’ve joined other groups and always felt like I didn’t belong or the odd one out. The Choir with No Name is different. It’s like a family.”

Local volunteers assist the choir by assisting with singing, cooking, cleaning and supporting members. There is no audition process and members and volunteers do not necessarily need to be able to sing. To have The Choir with No Name Liverpool perform at your event or function please get in touch.

For more information about volunteer or performance opportunities with The Choir with No Name please visit www.choirwithnoname.org or register your interest to volunteer with Ema Quinn emaq@choirwithnoname.org or call/text 07585 710433.