The Aloud Charity is excited and proud to announce the launch of a new match-funding campaign to raise awareness for Mental Health Awareness Week. Between the 15th to 22nd May, the charity will aim to raise £5,000 through donations, with every pound donated matched by the Big Give Trust, effectively doubling the impact of supporters’ donations to a potential amount of £10,000.
Since its inception in 2010, The Aloud Charity has worked tirelessly to transform the lives of young people across Wales, offering safe and sociable places for teenagers to make friends and build their confidence through singing together.
Young people are experiencing a mental health crisis, with confidence levels plummeting and social anxiety rising. In a 2023 questionnaire to participants of Aloud choirs, 22% said they have previously struggled with their mental health.
The funds raised through the Kind²Mind campaign will make a positive difference to young people’s wellbeing.
Pat, a Community Leader and mentor for Aloud participants said:
“I must say I’m very pleased that I’m not a teenager in 2023. I think the pressures that they’re facing at the moment are beyond anything that any of us would have faced before now. I think it’s a very, very difficult time.
“Organisations like Aloud come into their own because they create a safe, secure, and caring environment. The singing is joyous, it’s wonderful, but Aloud is so much more than that. I have watched from the beginning, boys building in confidence and growing in confidence through being mentored.
“Aloud Choir Leaders are the best role models in the world as far as I’m concerned!”
Aloud choirs strive to improve self-assurance, broaden aspiration, and create a strong sense of belonging for participants.
In a recent questionnaire:
- 79% of participants said they felt “more confident”
- 42% described themselves as “a happier person”
- 43% said the activity had improved their general wellbeing
- 96% said they feel “very supported” by their local Choir Leader during weekly rehearsals with one participant saying
“Choir rehearsal helps me get through my week easier, with my mental health problems and it is always something to look forward to.” Only Boys Aloud participant
The Aloud’s Charity has a proven track record of delivering non-auditioned, free, high-impact choirs which have improved the quality of life for hundreds of young people across Wales by providing unique opportunities that they might not have ever experienced before.
Donating to our Kind²Mind campaign between the 15th and 22nd May will enable The Aloud Charity to:
- Deliver regular choir rehearsals to help increase confidence and self-assurance for young people in Wales.
- Provide an opportunity for choir members to take part in an exciting performance experience. This will help raise aspirations, strengthen friendships and expand horizons as well as improving soft skills such as teamwork and empathy.
- Provide specialist mental health training for Aloud’s Choir Leaders and Staff.
- Continue developing our digital online portal which supports inclusive music-learning and signposts access to mental health support through bespoke digital materials.
- Develop a partnership with a local charity or organisation to support the mental wellbeing of choir participants.
Speaking about the campaign, Hannah Beadsworth (Aloud’s Development Manager) said, “We are really excited to launch this important fundraising campaign. Our page will be live for one week only, so please spread the word to support our cause and help us achieve our target!
This is a unique opportunity for individuals and organisations to make a difference to their local community, especially as any contribution will be doubled!
A donation of £10 will provide a free hour of rehearsal for Aloud members, so please give generously. Thank you so much!”
To learn more about the campaign and to donate on the 15th May, please visit Aloud’s Kind²Mind Campaign page here.
