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Liberty Choir @libertychoiruk.bsky.social · 6h

This #WorldMentalHealthDay we are raising awareness of the mental health crisis within prisons, which according to the
@centreformh.bsky.social
has become “the norm, not the exception”.

Our choir attendees report improved happiness, self confidence and more. Learn more: bit.ly/4nLFqSN

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Liberty Choir @libertychoiruk.bsky.social · 3d

In 2023-24, only 45% of released prisoners had settled accommodation. The proven reoffending rate of offenders released into homelessness is 56.5%

Our work doesn’t stop on release, continuing by supporting our LC Graduates' accommodation needs, finding work through our employment scheme and more.

Liberty Choir @libertychoiruk.bsky.social · 15d

On Saturday, we had our first Strategic Day with our amazing Board towards our five-year business plan.

It was hosted by our very generous supporter The Groucho Club, with more interesting possibilities to come there. It was great to have Audrey looking down on us from above!

Liberty Choir @libertychoiruk.bsky.social · 24d

The @prtuk.bsky.social's latest report address the challenges of reintegrating individuals back into society following lengthy imprisonment, many of whom citing the importance of organisations and charities’ support in the process.

Read the full report 👉🏻 bit.ly/3K0Kaor

Release from long-term imprisonment | Prison Reform Trust

bit.ly

Liberty Choir @libertychoiruk.bsky.social · Aug 21

Our graduates, volunteers and choirs in the community had a fabulous time performing at the Circle of Liberty concert.

We are very grateful to our Ambassadors Ross and Vicky Bell for organising yet another fantastic gala fundraiser concert in support of our work!

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Liberty Choir @libertychoiruk.bsky.social · Aug 19

Less than a fifth of UK businesses are recruiting ex-offenders, leading to increased reoffending.

Of those imprisoned for reoffending, 52% were unable to find a job after their first release.

We have been working to continue expanding our Graduate Employment Scheme. Read more 👉🏻 bit.ly/45iwFJ4

Only 16% of UK firms are recruiting ex-offenders, research suggests

A new report has claimed a lack of job opportunities for former prisoners is driving reoffending.

bit.ly

Liberty Choir @libertychoiruk.bsky.social · Aug 14

Family is critical to prisoners’ rehabilitation; those who receive family visits are 39% less likely to reoffend compared to those who don’t.

Our in-prison choir programmes help provide a vital sense of family to our attendees. Read more about the other work we do: libertychoir.org

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Liberty Choir @libertychoiruk.bsky.social · Aug 8

“Most people are going to come out again, and you have to hope they don’t come out worse”

Nick Hardwick's comments follows the Ministry of Justice's latest independent review revealing the prison system came close to total collapse on 3 separate occasions in a 12 month period. bit.ly/47jax2s

Wednesday briefing: How sentencing policies have led to a failing prison system in the UK

In today’s newsletter: From longer sentences to rising recall rates, prioritising punishment over rehabilitation could mean a total collapse of our prisons

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Liberty Choir @libertychoiruk.bsky.social · Aug 6

We are thrilled to have been featured on BBC Music Magazine's article on music programmes which introduce prisoners to the world of music, help them open up to others and supporting their rehabilitation back into society before and after their release.

Read the article 👉🏻 bit.ly/3UgG4KR

How music is helping prisoners to turn away from a life of crime | Classical Music

Organisations providing opportunities for prisoners to make music do much to preserve dignity and encourage rehabilitation

bit.ly

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Liberty Choir @libertychoiruk.bsky.social · Aug 1

We were privileged to share the joy of our first Friends & Family concert at a women’s prison with guests including reps of
@artscouncilengland.bsky.social, Surrey PCC and Nick Hardwick, former Chief Inspector of Prisons.

Thank you @theclinkcharity.bsky.social for the refreshments!

Liberty Choir @libertychoiruk.bsky.social · Jul 28

Our Co-founders MJ Paranzino and Ginny Dougary had a great day at our partner charity Koestler Arts as part of the judging panel for the 2025 Koestler Awards. There is so much talent in our prisons!

Liberty Choir @libertychoiruk.bsky.social · Jul 15

Having launched our 2025 Fundraising Drive just over a month ago, multiple supporters of ours have already started doing fundraisers of their own!

Still thinking about fundraising for us? We would love
to hear your ideas, big or small! Send us an email at
[email protected] to learn more 🤩

Liberty Choir @libertychoiruk.bsky.social · Jul 11

Next Sunday July 20th, Ambassadors Vicky and Ross Bell are hosting their annual gala fundraiser concert in support of our choir programmes! Check out the performing choirs 👇🏻

Purchase your tickets today, or do consider paying-it-forward to our chosen charities if you can't make it: bit.ly/3RTh4rY

Liberty Choir @libertychoiruk.bsky.social · Jul 4

We are so grateful for @westonfdn.bsky.social's invaluable support to our choir programmes over the years 🙏🏻

Garfield Weston Foundation @westonfdn.bsky.social · Jun 21

🌍🎶Today is #WorldMusicDay! We're proud to support amazing organisations like @alinaorchestra.bsky.social and @libertychoiruk.bsky.social that are transforming lives through the power of music across the UK.
Thank you for all you do to make music more accessible, impactful and transformative! 🎼

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Liberty Choir @libertychoiruk.bsky.social · Jul 4

We are thrilled that our choir programme at HMP Send was recognised in @hmiprisonsnews.bsky.social's latest inspection report.

It's a privilege to have been able to contribute to Send's range of purposeful activity, learning culture and community ethos.

Read the full report 👉🏻 bit.ly/4nxdzWA

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Liberty Choir @libertychoiruk.bsky.social · Jun 19

We are ecstatic to have launched our second Fundraising Drive at our longtime partner The Bedford Pub!

Even if you weren't able attend our workshop, you can still do a fundraiser for us! Get in touch with any ideas you may have at [email protected]

Liberty Choir @libertychoiruk.bsky.social · Jun 13

Interested in volunteering with Liberty Choir?

🌟 We have vacancies available at our programmes in Surrey (HMP Coldingley) and Sutton (HMP High Down and Downview)!

All experience levels of singing and volunteering are welcome! Learn more/ register your interest at [email protected]

Liberty Choir @libertychoiruk.bsky.social · Jun 11

This July, our Ambassadors Ross and Vicky Bell will be hosting their annual Gala Fundraiser concert in Ramsgate!

Featuring four choirs in a powerful celebration of freedom, community, and connection, this will be an uplifting afternoon of song.

Get your tickets today: bit.ly/3RTh4rY

Liberty Choir @libertychoiruk.bsky.social · Jun 7

We are very excited to be launching our second Fundraising Drive later today from 11 am - 4 pm at our always supportive partner @thebedfordpub.bsky.social!

Yesterday evening, our team got together for dinner ahead of our Fundraising Workshop - who is looking forward to joining us later today?

Liberty Choir @libertychoiruk.bsky.social · May 28

🌟 We are still accepting sign ups for our Fundraising Day!

Want to learn how you can put the FUN in FUNdraising? Haven't had the chance to register your interest yet? Get in touch at [email protected] to secure your place today!

Lunch and refreshments will be available ☕️

Liberty Choir @libertychoiruk.bsky.social · May 28

Liberty Choir has an audience with the King!

We were thrilled to have been invited to King Charles III’s special reception in April, honouring those involved in community music in what was an unforgettable event and a huge honour for our charity.

Liberty Choir @libertychoiruk.bsky.social · May 12

This week is #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek.

As much as 70% of prisoners are estimated to suffer from mental illness, of which over 50% had self harmed and 2 in 5 attempted suicide.

Besides purpose, our choir programmes also provide prisoners with emotional and community support.

Liberty Choir @libertychoiruk.bsky.social · May 9

We are excited to be hosting our second Fundraising Day on June 7th!

Join us for a fun day out at The Bedford for inspirational talks from our past fundraisers and interactive group brainstorming!

Food and refreshments will be provided ☕️

RVSP: [email protected]

Liberty Choir @libertychoiruk.bsky.social · May 8

We have a new newsletter coming out very soon!

Subscribe now for early access to our charity activities, opportunities and ways you can get involved 👉🏻 mailchi.mp/libertychoir...

Liberty Choir @libertychoiruk.bsky.social · May 1

We are very honoured that our work in prisons was included in The Times Crime and Justice Commission report, focused on methods to reform our criminal justice system.

Read the full report at the following link 👉🏻 bit.ly/3RPHWJ8

📷: Mark Harrison for @thetimes.com