In January 2023, NYJO Learning were delighted to announce a new partnership with Age UK Greenwich on a community singing group. Named ‘Sherard Road Songbirds’ by its members, the group is open to anyone who may benefit from experiencing music in this social setting. We hope that the group will allow its members to discover the power of singing for pleasure, make friends, and find a new sense of belonging through music.
Our members told us told us they want to come together as a group and do activity-based sessions. Not only do our members want to learn something new but also have the chance to make contacts which will lead to lifelong friendships beyond the lifetime of our groups. We recognise the power of singing which fits in with our central aim of addressing loneliness and isolation. Singing in a group helps makes social links and improve social networks.
Marie Griffin, Age UK Bromley and Greenwich
The choir meets on Wednesdays from 14:00 – 16:00 at Age UK’s centre in Eltham, Greenwich. So far, they have worked on songs including, ‘You’ve Got a Friend’, ‘I’ve Got Rhythm’, and ‘Fever’, supported by our brilliant leader Bryony Jarman-Pinto and accompanied weekly by a NYJO Emerging Professional musician.
I think the group will benefit in many ways. The social aspect for one, we know group singing can lessen stress and loneliness. Also singing will encourage lung health and core support. Already from the first session a participant mentioned he felt more confident to sing!
Bryony Jarman-Pinto, Singing Group Leader
If you think that you would benefit from joining NYJO’s community singing group, please contact NYJO’s Learning Programmes Manager Beth Ismay at [email protected].
It was wonderful. Fabulous teacher – so professional (and a beautiful voice!). Lovely group – we had fun.