This campaign has now closed
Liberty Choir is a full-circle charity whose work begins inside prisons through weekly rehearsals of a choir (20 prisoners, 20 community choir volunteers, director, accompanist) blossoming when the choir’s ex-offender graduates leave prison, supported in a community by the team and volunteers.
Categories
Beneficiaries
Situation
Prisoner re-offending is a huge problem in the UK. Many prisoners have low educational attainment, suffer from poor mental/physical health and lack supportive social networks. On release, prisoners are stigmatised in the community, lacking the skills and contacts to change their lives. Prison is an intimidating and damaging environment which fails to tackle the problems behind re-offending. Following Covid-19, there is even less support available for the 47% of prisoners with poor mental health.
Solution
Liberty Choir runs inspirational music sessions with prisoners and volunteers. By learning and singing together (which builds communication skills, self-confidence and well-being) prisoners form strong bonds with volunteers and the LC Team. Beyond prison, ex-prisoners (LC Graduates) become part of our community choirs and are assisted in their rehabilitation. Our radio, letter-writing and donation programmes build trust between prisoners and LC, laying the groundwork for future live programmes.
