The Grassroots Vocal Workshops take place at Emmanuel House every Wednesday afternoon and are led by wonderful professional singers Tim and Neil. The sessions are open to our beneficiaries to provide an opportunity to sing, dance, learn, relax, socialise and pick up a new hobby, boosting wellbeing and improving mental health.

The workshops are for anyone considered vulnerable in the community, including those suffering from isolation or mental health issues.

The sessions are part of VoiceChoice and are supported by The National Lottery Community Fund.

Here’s what the participants had to say about the Grassroots singing sessions:

Why do you come to Grassroots every Wednesday?

Simon: “Because I feel it’s a relief from out there… I can come in here, be with my friends, be myself, listen, take it in, enjoy what we do. I feel like this is my family, I love it, it keeps me going. I really feel like it’s meant to be.

“Out there, I’ve only got my mum – no one else. When I’m not here, I feel empty. It takes the pressure off my mind and takes my anxiety to a lower level. I wouldn’t know what do with myself if I couldn’t come here. It’s a purpose. I can show people that I’m not what they think I am. People think I can’t do anything, but I can – I’ve got anxiety and depression and I’m on medication, but that doesn’t mean I can’t do anything.

“Our hearts and our minds are working together, showing other people you’re not just a number, you’re something special.”

“I used to do a lot of singing in the pub – I enjoy entertaining. I came second in a competition once and I was so proud. These sessions give me the confidence to continue singing.”

“The Grassroots sessions are a sanctuary. We’re so blessed to be here. People like us would find it very hard if this wasn’t available. It would affect our mental health and I know we’d feel it starting to deteriorate.”

Amy: “Ever since I’ve been coming to Grassroots, I’ve noticed I haven’t been breathing enough. I’ve really started to take notice of how I’m breathing. We’re taught how to use your stature to sing the right notes – I’m not as crouched down, I use the techniques in day-to-day life and constantly take note of how I breathe.”

“Grassroots is a communal, fun, loving place to be. They’re all really jovial people. Even when people are frustrated for whatever reason, we all come tops when we’re doing our performances. We’re always hugging, it’s like an episode of Cheers!”

John: “It’s a relief from the outside the world, from the job centre and everything else. You leave all your troubles at the door.

“Before I started coming to Grassroots, I was a shell of a man. I wouldn’t talk to anyone because of what was going on in my life. Someone in my computer class recommended I come here – they thought I needed to get out of the house and mix with people. They knew I had the confidence in me deep down. They knew that Grassroots was the place for me!

“I feel okay to make a mistake. If no one made a mistake, it wouldn’t be so fun.

“We have a laugh, it really lifts my spirits, I leave here feeling happier than when I came in. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

Caroline: “I feel free when I come here. In the outside world, I feel like no one takes notice of me, I feel invisible. In here on a Wednesday afternoon, people take notice of me. I feel like I belong in the group and we have bloody good fun. It’s the most important thing.

“Whatever is going on in my head magically disappears. I wish it went on for longer. No one judges me, I don’t get called names. We’re all going through the same things. People outside don’t understand what’s going on in my head, but you guys do. I look forward to my week. It’s the highlight. Emmanuel House is like one big family.

“Singing and being involved in Grassroots has sent my confidence right up into orbit. I can remember when I was stuck behind four walls and I wouldn’t venture out of the house. My mum sought help on my behalf. I would still be stuck there, harming myself. I am free to do whatever I want to do – coming here, I get support and I can talk to anyone and say anything.

“I have severe anxiety and it really shows in the outside world. When the Grassroots sessions stopped over Covid, I could feel my anxiety starting from the pit of my stomach, working its way back up again. I feel so blessed to be in Grassroots and I’m so grateful it’s back. For me, it’s a lifesaver.

“If these sessions weren’t on, my anxiety would go through the roof. We’d go back to where we started, back to what our lives were before we were able to come here. There’s nowhere else to go.

“It’s like being at a party every Wednesday!”

Kevin: “I live on my own and I have no family, other than Streetwise and Grassroots. It brings me out of the house. I’m scared of people, so I would be stuck on my own with no one to listen to. I really try to enjoy myself. It’s a lifeline. I’m not homeless, I never have been. I’m disabled and I came to Emmanuel House to get help. I can’t read or write and it was so helpful. I came back to Emmanuel House to enjoy myself and work with Tim and Neil and get the opportunity to get out and about. I appreciate everyone for this.”

John: “I find it marvellous. It’s like a little family I’m joining every Weds. I thoroughly enjoy coming to it – where else do you get a free dance?! To jive to and to sing! We’re learning all the time, and there’s such a variety – singing, acting… It’s all really worthwhile.”

Neil, the activity leader, said: “Everyone is vulnerable. We’re all human beings. What we try and do with these sessions is to make everyone feel like they’re on the same level. I’ve got my own fears and vulnerabilities too. But my philosophy is to make it as fun as possible. When I trained as an opera singer, I couldn’t read music. My teacher made me realise everyone can be vulnerable. We’re all ourselves when we’re in this room.

“Whenever we perform, the audience response is amazing. They can feel the joy the group have. They’re absolutely together and there’s a wonderful energy coming out of them. It’s infectious.

“We treat this group exactly as we would a group of professional musicians. We’re always upping the game and challenging them. There’s always room to improve, even when you’ve been singing for 35 years.”

Caroline: “You have me in stitches Neil, sometimes I nearly wee myself!”

Do these sessions give you the confidence to do other things?

John 2: “These sessions gave me the confidence to become a member of the Shakespeare company”.

Caroline: “I used to be too scared to sing around the house. Now I do it all the time.”

Kevin: “I wouldn’t have enrolled in performing with CityArts.”

We are passionate about providing workshops, training and activities for service users who come to Emmanuel House to support people to make positive changes out of homelessness.

Please get in touch if you’d like to enquire about Emmanuel House’s activity programme.