Homeless choir perform first concert in Sheffield

A new choir made up of people impacted by homelessness have performed their first concert in South Yorkshire.

Sheffield is the latest UK city to host a branch of The Choir With No Name, an organisation set up for people who have experienced rough sleeping.

The concert took place in front of an audience of hundreds of people at Sheffield Cathedral, which has hosted weekly rehearsals since the choir started in January.

"We have a diverse choir, some are still going through a really tough time but we know that being part of this community is a huge support for them on a deep level," said choir director Oli Kluczewski.

The choir performed a number of crowd-pleasing anthems including Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) by The Eurythmics and One Day Like This by Elbow.

The Choir With No Name national charity has seven choirs around the UK, with others in London, Birmingham, Liverpool, Brighton, Cardiff and Coventry.

Many of the Sheffield choir have received support from the Cathedral Archer Project on Campo Lane, including Joyce Cook.

Ms Cook, who found herself homeless after a family dispute, said she wore her favourite Disney glasses and her nan's "lucky necklace" to give her confidence on stage.

"She gave me a motto to keep on smiling - that's my favourite motto," she said.

"I love this, belting out classics, singing makes me feel good."

Last year, Sheffield City Council confirmed the number of people registered as being homeless within the city had reached an all-time high.

Cory Whitham-Lees, a choir member who joined four weeks ago, said the group already had made "an impact" on him.

"I've spent the last six years in and out of hostels, tents, street homeless," he said.

"You learn to deal with it and put up a front."

Mr Whitham-Lees said the choir had helped to introduce him to "safe people".

"They understand me, it's so nice they get me," he added.

The seven UK choirs meet once a week "for a cuppa and a catch up", sing for 90 minutes then share a free hot meal cooked by volunteers.

After the success of their first concert, Mr Kluczewski believes the members are now ready for more.

"We know being a part of this choir is a huge support for our members," he said.

"I think music can affect social change, as long as people come and bring a sense of fun and community."

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