Photo by Colin Tennant
Congratulations to Renfrewshire Carers Choir who won the Inspiration Award category. We asked them the following questions.
Tell us more about the choir
The carers choir started 2 years ago as a short project to give carers (carers being the family or friend who are looking after someone at home who is ill or disabled) the opportunity to come together and perform at our AGM. This was so successful that the carers decided to continue and invite new members along.
The choir is now made up of carers from age 18 to 80+ and all carers say that it gives them a sense of community and togetherness, breaks down age barriers between young and older carers. This has a huge contribution in breaking down stigmas and stereotypes. It helps boost confidence levels, build new skills and more importantly, give the carers time to have fun and to socialise – and gives people a life outside of caring. Some carers have also reported health benefits from the choir- improved asthma and reduced stress levels.
The choir practices every week and are led by Kirsty Duncan our choir leader. We sing all types of songs from Burns to Snow Patrol and are now beginning to learn some harmonies so that we can improve our performances. The choir perform at Carers Centre events like our Carers Christmas lunch as well as sing to our local day centres and care home. We also do some raising awareness sessions on behalf of the Carers Centre by singing in shopping Centres and at various information days.
How long have you been singing / has the choir been singing together?
2 years
What have you/has the choir got planned in the next 12 months?
We are singing at our Centres AGM, at our information stall at Braehead (Local Shopping Centre) in June, a fundraising concert in November, a performance for the Local Women’s Guild in October and the Carers Christmas lunch in December. We’ll also be at Awareness sessions at Braehead and Paisley Piazza in December.
What has been the highlight of your / the choir’s singing journey?
SInging at a Dementia Conference in the City Chambers in Glasgow
What got you singing in the first place / why did the choir first start singing together?
The choir was started as an idea of something that was good for general health and wellbeing. At the carers centre we try to promote this as it’s so important for carers to look after themselves so they are able to look after their loved ones. It was an immediate hit!
How does it feel to be the first winner of the award?
In the words of our choir members: “amazing”, “unexpected”, “a brilliant surprise!”
What are the choir’s favourite songs?
We have a list: My Favourite Things, Radio Ga Ga, Proud Mary, I Will follow Him, Price Tag
What styles of singing do the choir enjoy most?
We enjoy all types of song so what we sing is eclectic and varied.
Read more about Renfrewshire Carers Choir at their website
http://www.renfrewshirecarers.org.uk
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