12 young singers from Banbury took centre stage on Tuesday, 5th May, to showcase their talents through the inspirational Sanctuary in Music project.
The project, funded by Sanctuary Group, gives young people from Charter Community Housing (part of Sanctuary Group) the chance to develop their singing talents, build their confidence and improve self-esteem.
As well as bringing Charter residents aged 11 to 21 years together, the project also equips them with the skills to take control of their futures and lead them into possible employment.
Tuesday’s event was the second lesson on the 26-week project in Banbury and saw the 12 participants sing before family, friends and their instructor and mentor Johnny Pat.
Charter resident and participant Keesa Bourne said: “This is a great chance to express myself vocally and at the end I will look back on this experience.”
Participants now have five weeks before their first assessment where they will perform three songs to a panel of independent judges who will grade the candidates on appearance, content and ability.
Brenda Bourne, Keesa’s mother, added: “There has already been an improvement in the confidence and ability of the group and it is a fantastic opportunity for these young hopefuls to express their feelings through music.”
The course in Banbury is the fourth to be run by Sanctuary resident Johnny Pat and, thanks to further funding from this leading housing association, the project will be rolled out to other parts of the country in the future.
Johnny’s work on the project and the positive impact it has achieved has been recognised after he was recently shortlisted by Inside Housing for a prestigious Housing Heroes Award. He is one of six finalists in the running for their Inspirational Tenant of the Year accolade which will be announced at an awards ceremony next month.
The Sanctuary in Music project has also been shortlisted for the National Housing Federation’s 'What we are proud of' award - Yorkshire and Humberside region, which celebrates housing association-run projects that have improved the lives of people in their community. The regional finals will take place on Saturday, 6th June, at the National Railway Museum in York.