By Press Release
A joint concert by two community choirs, the NHS Nightingales and Gurnard Community Choir, has raised £2,200 for local mental health charity, The Wave Project (IW).
The packed concert at St Marys in Cowes on June 15 featured hit songs by Abba and The Beatles.
Choir director Hannah Brear said: “The benefits to our mental health and wellbeing of singing with other people are well documented and the joy you could feel in the air at our Abba & Beatles concert was extraordinary!”
She was motivated to raise funds for The Wave Project because: “As a teacher, I know that if a child is not happy and healthy, it’s a real struggle to learn. Any charity that is working hard to protect and improve the mental health and well-being of our children deserves support. Local people joining forces to help other local people is what community means and it's what makes our choir community and our island community so special.”
Abbie James of the Wave Project said: “The Wave Project was established on the Isle of Wight in 2015 and has worked with over 500 young people with social, emotional or mental health needs on the island to date. Surf therapy is an evidence-based programme that enables children and young people to build confidence and overcome anxiety barriers through surfing.
“All funds raised from this wonderful concert will remain on the Island to help us reach more young people here. Thank you so much to Hannah and her amazing musicians for supporting us with their fantastic event.”
Hannah Brear also directs Medina Community Choir, which has a series of summer concerts coming up, with exit collections for World Central Kitchen, a charity which provides meals to communities impacted by natural disasters and humanitarian crises.
Medina Community Choir’s Gospel concert at Newport Minster on Saturday, July 27, precedes their French tour, where venues include Le Mans Cathedral.
For more information visit: medinacommunitychoir.org.uk
