The Enjoolata Stories

I had my first encounter with The Choir with No Name at the historic Brighton Dome in December 2021. The softly illuminated auditorium set the scene for the ‘Big Christmas Sing-Along’ and the 1,700 velvet-seated theatre buzzed with eager attendees.

Growing up, my perception of choirs was heavily influenced by the movie ‘Sister Act,’ where the incredible Whoopi Goldberg transforms a convent choir into a soulful ensemble with a Motown repertoire. However, my own choir experiences were far from glamorous, often involving shivering in cold C of E churches on creaky pews while singing from dusty hymnals. There were exceptions, like the joyous visits of my school choir to homes for the elderly at Christmas, where we sang festive carols and were fed free chocolates—memories I hold dear.

The Choir with No Name is the Brighton arm of a UK-based charity dedicated to creating supportive and inclusive singing communities for people who have experienced homelessness and social marginalisation.

Under the dynamic guidance of vibrant Choir Director Freya, the stage came alive with a spirited ensemble of singers of all ages and backgrounds, sporting festive hats, glitter, tinsel, and matching t-shirts. Their enormous smiles filled the auditorium as they sang Christmas carols and popular hits with heartfelt passion. The performance included courageous solo acts from untrained singers, guest appearances, and inspirational stories along the way.

The ‘audience participation’ aspect, which had filled me with apprehension, quickly transformed into an overwhelming desire to stand up and join in. I waved my song sheet enthusiastically as the entire auditorium resonated with the choir’s infectious positivity, weaving a symphony of resilience and hope.

My next encounter with the Choir took place at St. Luke’s Church in Prestonville, a well-known community hub for Brighton’s charitable organisations. It was during a crowdfunding event for ‘Making It Out,’ a project aimed at raising funds for a public sculpture commemorating those who lost their lives while experiencing homelessness. The choir’s performance felt like a celebration of the transformative power of music, but it also carried the weight of a sombre tribute.

Ess, a choir member who had played a significant role in supporting the project, shared a deeply moving story of a friend she had lost to homelessness during her youth. Her heartfelt narrative set the stage for the choir’s performances, which included a stunning and tear-jerking rendition of Snow Patrol’s ‘Run’ and an uplifting take on Queen’s ‘Don’t Stop Me Now.’ These performances, punctuated by soulful solos, served as a poignant reminder that even in the face of life’s challenges, hope shines through.

Members consistently describe their group as ‘family.’ Despite the diverse life experiences and unique journeys that each member brings, they came together to cherish one another’s company, seek solace and immerse themselves in a community that embraces every individual without judgement.

The Choir With No Name extends its impact far beyond the realm of singing, hosting weekly rehearsals accompanied by nourishing meals and organising community singing workshops specifically for those facing the threat of homelessness.

One individual who attended a session we conducted with Voices in Exile said “I wish we could do this more often! I believe this is a perfect way to enjoy ourselves and improve my English skills.”

Music, in this context, acts as a potent catalyst for enhancing the well-being of its members who report elevated feelings of belonging, self-worth, joy, and resilience.

In my frequent interactions with choir members during various events, I’ve come to realise that they are all deeply dedicated to advocacy efforts aimed at raising awareness about homelessness and related social issues. Their courage in confronting adversity and taking the stage, often without any formal training, serves as an inspiration for me to confront my own fears.

Tickets are now on sale for this year’s Christmas sing-along at the Dome. Expect Christmas classics, plus guest appearances from soul sensation Alice Russell and the Hullabaloo Quire.

We are proud supporters of all the groups mentioned, and you can find links to their projects here.

Making It Out

Choir with No Name

Voices In Exile

St Luke’s Church

In the heart of East Brighton, a remarkable transformation is taking place through the East Brighton Food Cooperative. By redefining our relationship with food and cultivating a stronger, more resilient community; volunteers unite to create a cooperative that goes beyond the ordinary, forging deep connections and inspiring positive change.

Central to the cooperative’s mission is the championing of a sustainable food system that nourishes both people and the planet. By prioritising locally sourced and ethically produced food, the East Brighton Food Cooperative supports local farmers while minimising the environmental impact of food production and transportation. This commitment empowers individuals to make informed choices and be mindful of their ecological footprint.

In these challenging times, it is crucial to ensure that every resident in Brighton has access to affordable, high-quality food. Through their creative initiatives and the collective power of volunteers, the East Brighton Food Cooperative bridges the gap between cost and nutrition. Since the start of the lockdown, their team has been delivering meals to those in need, and their operation went city-wide after just three days due to the lack of provisions across Brighton and Hove. Originally intended as a local offering, they began with 800 meals per month and quickly scaled up to over 8,000! Their Community Meals on Wheels Service has become a lifeline for single, elderly, and disabled individuals who are unable to cook due to health and financial challenges. With over 250,000 meals delivered since March 2020, their impact on the community is profound.

Alongside their incredible Meals on Wheels program, their dedicated volunteers generously share their expertise; inspiring others to embrace sustainable practices with workshops, educational programs, and community events.

The East Brighton Food Cooperative stands as a shining example of solidity, advocating for a future where communities are self-reliant and interconnected. Through fostering a sense of ownership and collaboration, they instil resilience within individuals and the wider community.

This cooperative represents the extraordinary potential that lies within communities united by a common purpose. The unwavering dedication of the volunteers creates a space where sustainable practices, affordable access to quality food, and community well-being seamlessly converge. It nourishes both bodies and souls, inspiring us to reimagine our relationship with food and embrace a future where resilience and sustainability go hand in hand.

To the East Brighton Food Cooperative, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for nurturing our community and sustaining positive change.

We encourage you to consider joining as a volunteer and let your actions speak volumes in shaping a brighter future for all! Find out more about the East Brighton Food Cooperative here.