It works! IT WORKS! LIBERTY CHOIR UK
5 LIBERTY CHOIR LIBERTY CHOIR 5 UNLOCKING HEARTS THROUGH SONG
LIBERTY CHOIR 5 A message from Liberty Choir’s founders 4 LIBERTY CHOIR dear reader, Liberty Choir UK is the brainchild of MJ Paranzino, developed with her wife and co-founder Ginny Dougary, from a strong kernel of an idea to an indomitable reality. Each person’s missteps have an impact on their life, but they don’t need to forever define them. A sad story can be superseded by a more positive one. Something beautiful can grow out of something tragic. The charity’s work begins inside prisons – through weekly rehearsals of a choir made up of prisoners and volunteers from community choirs – and blossoms when the choir’s ex-offenders, now called graduates, leave prison and are supported by the team and volunteers. We started in just one prison, HMP Wandsworth, and are now in ten across London, Surrey, Sussex and Kent on a weekly basis and will be in twelve by the end of 2026 – with our move into Dorset and Hampshire. We have seen more than 2,500 individual prisoners in that time and are in touch with more than 130 graduates. We currently have 100 active volunteers. 2014 Launched at HMP Wandsworth as a Community Interest Co Liberty Choir The story so far 2017 Became a registered charity 2018 Grew to 3 prisons (including HMP High Down & HMP Downview) MJ Paranzino and Ginny Dougary
LIBERTY CHOIR 7 6 LIBERTY CHOIR “The light and love shown by the Liberty Choir quite honestly saved me” Only 2.8% of Liberty Choir Graduates have reoffended compared to the national average of 48% In late 2025, the charity was awarded the Longford Prize - the highest accolade in the criminal justice system - for our “courage, persistence, humanity and originality.” We are on the move, both in terms of our expansion into more prisons in new regions but also in the services we provide and initiatives which bring our graduates into the fold of our organisation. This year is a pivotal one for us as we explore the first steps towards a national model; we hope that you will be part of it. It is our belief that no-one should be thrown away because of the worst thing they have done in their lives, and that prisons are full of people with limitless potential which we are committed to unlocking. When MJ was 45, a close relative took his own life. George had become a heroin addict to quieten the demons which had haunted him since childhood. MJ and her then partner had brought up his children to prevent them from being taken into care. George went in and out of rehab and in and out of prison. “He really tried,” MJ says, “but he was a house painter always working on his own and attending meetings with fellow addicts - never meeting new people and being part of a different community which could have given him a lifeline and hope.” MJ felt sure that if George could have lived his life some other way - exposure to a different environment, new interests and a fresh circle of people who accepted and cared for her brother-inlaw without judgment - he would have stood a chance of believing he had a future, and of seeing his sons grown up and of being a part of his grandchildren’s lives, too. He could have led a long life filled with purpose and joy. There are so many people like George in prison. There were 79 deaths by suicide in prisons in England and Wales in 2025. And 74,521 cases of self-harm. Self-harm rates in women’s prisons are eight times higher than in men’s, with a record of 97 deaths in the past decade, and women in prisons are ten times more likely to die by suicide than the general female population. Many prisoners are trapped in a perpetual revolving door that takes them in and out of prison – though some find it even harder to cope when they are released than when they are inside. Frazer Trought, to whom we dedicate this brochure with the blessing of his widow Annalise, was one of them. We met Frazer not long after Liberty Choir was launched in HMP Coldingley in March 2022. He had run an art gallery in London and was passionate about music and creativity. Frazer was a regular in the choir and worked closely with another musician, Mark, and the two singers set up a small recording studio close to the chapel in which we rehearsed every week. Frazer’s funeral was held in February 2026 at the large church of St Gabriel’s in Pimlico. It was packed with people, including those of us who had met him in prison. One of the speakers who had known his friend since childhood in the area, said even then “Frazer had an aura before aura was a thing.” How true; when Frazer smiled the room lit up. What an indictment of our failings as a society that Frazer was able to survive ten years in prison but not even ten months when he re-entered society despite having a home, a job, a loving partner and children. He constantly sought help from the NHS and even tried to admit himself to hospital when the voices in his head became unbearable. The day he took his life, 20 January 2026, the voices won and a precious life was lost. We are working on a raft of measures to draw attention to the mental health challenges that prisoners and graduates face. Our suggestions for improvements will be drawn from our Ambassadors with lived experience, our graduates, as well as the new Liberty Choir Advisory Council whose members all have direct knowledge of prison. We will be working with partners who have the expertise to ensure that someone who was suffering as Frazer was will get help sooner and receive the support that he so desperately needed. We are determined that Frazer will not have died in vain. This is the first time in our 12-year-history that one of our graduates’ stories has ended so tragically and it has hit us hard. Our graduates tell us that Liberty Choir was a lifeline to them in prison and when they came out. It takes a long time to recover from the trauma, shame and guilt of an often-brutal regime, and to build up the confidence to function again when it has been stripped away. But there are many stories in our history which are also uplifting. Like Ross who attended our very first session at HMP Wandsworth on 1 April 2014. He discovered his voice in prison with Liberty Choir - never even knowing he could sing. He started writing songs, learnt how to play the guitar and has now released his second album with his band Rosko Piko. Ross and his wife, Vicky, are Ambassadors of Liberty Choir and have fundraised for the charity every year for the past ten years. Ross became a musical mentor to Kerry (see page 18), enabling her to write a song with a professional singer, drawn from her life, and perform it on stage in front of an audience and for a documentary. Richie, a revolving door prisoner who had never had more than one Christmas out in the community, has now celebrated 12, reunited with all his family. As his son Ricardo says, “My children have only known their grandfather as a free man.” Roy (see page 17), went into music management and a juicing business, turning his back on a lifetime of crime driven by a drug habit. A young man, Paul, who we met at HMP Brixton said he would come to choir on a date night with his girlfriend when he got out of prison, and they now come regularly. Kris invited the founders and his favourite volunteer to his wedding in Blackpool where Liberty Choir represented his only family; he was suicidal but is now happily married and creating music tracks that are being played on international radio stations. Stu (see page 22) is thriving as a chef with his own high-end catering business. Thai is crime-free and worked first as a painter-decorator and is now in the hospitality business. Ian (see cover and page 13) has had his flat kitted out with donations from other graduates and choir members and is working full time at the prisoners’ rehabilitation business Redemption Roasters. We are in touch with more than 130 graduates who are living fulfilling lives. Could you work with us, so our graduates become the best version of themselves, make a difference to their lives, their families’ lives and all our lives, too? Will you help us turn a sad story into one filled with joy? mj paranzino and ginny dougary 2025 Launched at HMP East Sutton Park in Kent & won the Longford Prize 2021 Created Six Building Blocks of Modern Music with National Prison Radio 2026 Launched at HMP Guys Marsh in Dorset, our first prison in the southwest 2022 48 Songs: How Music Saved my Life aired in 100+ prisons on NPR 2023 Returned to prisons after COVID at Brixton, Send & Coldingley 2024 Now in 10 prisons & celebrated 10th Anniversary 2020 Launched Liberty Choir Radio on Radio Wanno at HMP Wandsworth
It costs £60,000 to imprison someone for a year LIBERTY CHOIR 11 10 LIBERTY CHOIR Aims and Objectives 2026-2030 Support more prisoners We currently reach an average of 700 individual prisoners each year through 2,500 choir sessions in 10 prisons. With the prison population expected to grow through 2029 problems with overcrowding and performance will persist. Therefore, the need for our service will continue. Support more Graduates We are in contact with more than 130 Graduates, by phone, mail and through MJ’s Community Choirs. Demand for our service will rise due to our expansion plans, and gaps in official provision. Improve conditions inside prisons We refuse to accept the shocking conditions we see in prisons, including the paucity of healthcare and mental health support. We stand up for the human dignity of prisoners at every opportunity. Raise public awareness We continue to engage the wider public to amplify our message of radical compassion for prisoners, and to underline the urgent need for systemic reform. Expand our network of partnerships We continue to build on our existing partnerships with PACT, Koestler Arts et al, and develop new relationships that deepen the support we offer to prison leavers and their families. Expand & improve what we do By 2030 we will increase the number of prisoners we work with by expanding into new prisons in new regions. We will also improve what we do by increasing attendance at choir sessions, enhancing comms to prisoners and staff, and by building relationships at all levels. We will continuously invest in training for our staff and volunteers. Increase our Volunteers & Peer Mentors By 2030 we will grow our family of trained Volunteers and Peer Mentors alongside the LC Team to support more Graduates in the community. We will further develop the Liberty Choir Advisory Council, benefitting from lived experience to improve charity policy and best practice going forward. Influence criminal justice leadership We will utilise our network of prison Governors, MOJ contacts, the LC Advisory Council and the strength of our Board connections to influence policy and decision-making at the highest levels. Maximise press & publicity opportunities We will leverage our media experience to build on high profile exposure in The Times, The Observer, BBC Radio et al, coordinating imaginative grassroots fundraising drives with powerful social media campaigns. Strengthen alliances and synergy We will meet regularly with the leadership of complementary organisations to explore joint funding opportunities, and public events that move the national conversation forward. AIMS OBJECTIVES 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. GOV.UK Liberty Choir has saved the taxpayer at least £8 million since 2014
12 LIBERTY CHOIR Ian has been working for Redemption Roasters for more than a year, and is now Assistant Manager LIBERTY CHOIR 13 “ Liberty Choir has been good for my soul, and my work has been good for my confidence. I wish I’d known how easy it is to do a job when you love it!”
14 LIBERTY CHOIR LIBERTY CHOIR 15 Our vision: we believe in a future where no-one is thrown away because of their past actions, and everyone has a chance to rebuild their lives Inside Prison: Creating Community LC provides weekly choir rehearsals for prisoners run by top-class musicians, supported by a team of local volunteers Volunteers sing with prisoners and help them to read lyrics and participate fully Vocal warmups and song circles break down barriers and encourage cooperation Everyone is welcome to attend rehearsals with no musical skills or experience needed Many songs are learnt by repetition so that no-one feels excluded due to poor literacy or educational difficulties; Learning is made easy and sparks curiosity to know more The varied repertoire is non-religious and ranges from Vivaldi to universally loved songs like ‘My Way’ and ‘Three Little Birds’ which work as folk parables to illustrate our shared humanity, connection and fellowship 1. Increase LC beneficiaries by reaching more prisoners through careful expansion to new prisons in new regions, alongside improved delivery to more prisoners in current prisons 2. Continue to advocate for choir programmes in prison; Continue to press for the acceptance of choir rehearsals as an essential activity, lobbying upper management, prison leadership and ground level staff for maximum engagement across the service Prisoners’ mental health improves by relieving severe isolation and boredom, with many coming off the ACCT register (for people at risk from suicide and self-harm) within weeks of joining the choir Prisoners are easier to manage by prison staff, calmer, and less likely to self-harm Prisoners feel they’re valued members of the group and they belong to a community Prisoners have an activity to look forward to which gives them purpose and meaning Choir brings joy to a harsh system and offers an alternative to negative associations, substance abuse and violence Prisoner engagement improves and provides many with the impetus for change Prisoners reconnect with their families through Friends & Family Concerts 1. Increase LC beneficiaries by reaching more prisoners through expansion and continuously improved delivery 2. Prison leadership recognises choir programmes as essential in their efforts to reduce reoffending and improve conditions for prisoners Outside Prison: Supporting Community Engaging Community Graduates are supported by the LC Team, as well as choir members and Graduate peer mentors, with practical & emotional support for prison leavers as they rebuild their lives Graduates are encouraged to sing with MJ’s Community Choirs and affiliates, which include LC volunteers & the public, providing continuity and connection outside prison Graduates sing with MJ’s Choirs at public recitals such as Christmas Carols at The V&A, The Brighton Pavilion and various music festivals; these events enrich their lives and help to expand their horizons The Liberty Choir Advisory Council (LCAC) comprised of Graduates and family members meets quarterly Advocacy, press and publicity by LC drives awareness of the need for prison reform Charity policy and service delivery are informed by contributions from LCAC Public awareness of issues faced by prisoners and ex-prisoners improves 1. LCAC annual event provides a showcase for Graduates and inspiration for prison leavers 2. Increased community engagement with public speaking opportunities for Graduates 1. Increased public profile of Graduates 2. Greater public awareness and improved public perception through community events Influence the public discourse to improve awareness of the need for urgent prison reform Ex-prisoners are less likely to reoffend within 12 months of release. Volunteers offer Graduates practical support like taking them to appointments, introducing them to relevant charities or helping to furnish a new home; The lack of state support in key areas for prison leavers (health, housing, employment etc.) are drivers of reoffending MJ’s Choirs and the greater LC Volunteer community provide positive networks and a sense of familial belonging; Many Graduates leave prison with broken family relationships, but the community choirs support their efforts to integrate & connect Support from LC and the community choirs reduces the discrimination and stigma faced by prison leavers 1. Work with more Graduates by improving through-the-gate support; develop new alliances and partnerships alongside existing relationships for better coordination and signposting for prison leavers 1. Increase beneficiaries by supporting more Graduates through-the-gate Support prison leavers in the community and empower them to rebuild their lives with confidence Benefit society by improving the understanding of ex-prisoners and facilitate successful reintegration Reduce the risk of harm to prisoners by improving their mental health and wellbeing Contribute to reduced reoffending rates by bringing purpose, joy and meaning to prisons Our mission: to be in every prison in England and Wales, transforming lives + helping to reduce reoffending through the joy of music and the power of community Focus Activities Outputs Immediate outcomes Intermediate outcomes Target outcomes Impact goals 1 -12 MONTHS 12-36 MONTHS 36+ MONTHS Roadmap of Change
LIBERTY CHOIR 5 16 LIBERTY CHOIR Since leaving HMP Wandsworth, Roy has managed bands, set up his own pure juicing company (supplying it for Liberty Choir events) and reconnected with his beloved dog, Ralphy. Roy is a member of South London Choir “ I’ve not been nicked since 2014, so it’s definitely made a difference to me”
LIBERTY CHOIR 19 Ross is a recorded artist with his band, Rosko Piko, and has two albums released. He and his wife, Vicky, are longtime Ambassadors for Liberty Choir. Ross has been a musical mentor to Kerry Kerry (left), with Ross’s support, has co-written and recorded a song with a professional singer, co-performed it in front of a large audience, appeared in a documentary, on radio shows and is a member of the South London Choir. She was once a very shy person. Kerry is also a carer to her parents “ Believe me when I say, ‘Liberty Choir works’.They were instrumental in changing the course of my life” “ One time I sang on my own. I would never have done that without Liberty Choir. It gives you the push to achieve something you never thought possible”
20 LIBERTY CHOIR LIBERTY CHOIR 21 Measuring impact we measure outputs by keeping detailed attendance records from every session. We supplement statistics with written reports by our Music Team, as well as interviews with prisoners, prison staff and volunteers. But as a rolling programme with voluntary attendance, we recognise the need to provide empirical evidence of outcomes. Therefore, we commissioned an 18-month independent evaluation of our work by Confluence Partnerships, published in May 2026. The report’s key findings are that participants; 1. Experience positive changes in their mental health and well-being 2. Experience positive changes in their confidence and self-esteem 3. Enjoy a sense of community, belonging and connection 4. Obtain transferrable, pro-social skills that boost engagement 5. Develop hope in the future Furthermore, benefits are sustained over time. The safe space fostered by Liberty Choir and its potential for creating the conditions for change is evident. As the report notes, “Many [participants] were able to articulate clearly how different engaging with Liberty Choir feels compared to other interventions.” The vibrant and welcoming atmosphere of Liberty Choir rightly stands out as the charity’s unique proposition. Numerous academic enquiries describe the positive benefits of singing. But we have our own thesis. We believe that the quest of a singer to find their voice goes far beyond the physiological. We observe that the process of a voice moving from taciturn and barely audible, to fully embodied, full-throated expression, is where the impetus for change truly ignites. It is the magic that makes action possible. We are gratified that the evaluation supports this. Whether a singer stays with us for days, weeks or years, the impact is profound. That is why we are always here for them. Every step of the way for a singer is the product of great courage. But when voices ring out in unison, resonating from deep inside the ribcage, each singer knows they are part of something much greater. This experience is never more vital than in prison, where a person’s voice is so easily shut down. I can’t sing I can’t read very well I don’t know about music People will laugh at me I’ll try a session I’ll try another session I’ll join in more I’ll make an effort with my appearance I started a choir in my new prison I joined a community choir & sang in public I became a mentor to ex-prisoners like me I spoke about my experiences at an event let’s get real. The process of a singer finding their voice is not always linear. For a prisoner to arrive in the room for their first session with Liberty Choir, they must overcome multiple obstacles, both internal and external. Not only do they contend with their own fears, but they also face the chaos of the prison system; being put on the correct list and getting unlocked in time are typical challenges. Many prisoners are dealing with serious mental health issues and struggle with emotional regulation. Those A VOICE OF MY OWN prisoners who are on the ACCT register (at risk of suicide and self-harm) are often able to use Liberty Choir to aid their recovery and can be taken off the register within weeks. Prisoners who take our business card when they’re released or are transferred, demonstrate their desire to keep in contact (even if this never materialises). They share their Probation Officer’s details and give us permission to contact them. On the outside, we are delighted when Graduates join MJ’s Community Choirs. But many simply write or call, sometimes years after their release, to say thank you and to let us know that they’re doing OK. And when setbacks happen, and Graduates are recalled back to prison, they often reach out to us, and join Liberty Choir at their new prison if they can. While the ultimate ‘success’ is when someone can claim their voice and live a crime-free and purposeful life, we also consider any of the touchpoints above to be steps of success, and equally worthy of celebration. SCARED OF MY VOICE FINDING MY VOICE SHARING MY VOICE CURIOUS ABOUT MY VOICE OWNING MY VOICE What does success look like? Finding your voice in prison I think I can actually sing! I tell my friends about choir I enjoy talking with the volunteers I share my story with the group I wrote a song / sang a solo to thank everyone I performed at a concert for Family & Friends I want to try new things & meet new people I want to keep learning too many men and women are unmade by the prison system. Infantilised by the chain of command, they say, “Yes Miss”, and “Please Sir?” It’s an atmosphere where retreating and keeping schtum must seem sensible. In their position, we might all lose our voice. Instead, we offer a simple antidote to hopelessness and invite prisoners to join us in song. Those who do, bravely confront their struggles with literacy and learning difficulties. They battle their demons and fight to control their emotions. Many don’t want to be heard at first, because what is more personal than the sound of your own voice? But ‘squeaking and squawking’ in rehearsals (as MJ says), and conversations with volunteers and LC staff are the stirrings of a voice being claimed, leading one day to full ownership and eventually to sharing it in public or in private, through song or speech. Ultimately, the experience of finding your voice creates the possibility of healing wounds and reintegrating the shattered aspects of the self. That’s why LC is so important. We give people the space to make one critical connection: that if they can reintegrate themselves while they’re inside prison, they have the potential to reintegrate when they’re outside. The process is illustrated in ‘A Voice of My Own’.
22 LIBERTY CHOIR Stu has his own high-end private chef business, Meet Stu, catering for events and private dining. He has catered for Liberty Choir concerts in prison as well as events outside “ I felt instantly uplifted when I joined the choir. The light and love they showed quite honestly saved me”
LIBERTY CHOIR 25 Thai became a painter-decorator after leaving prison since when he has been in hospitality and was recently headhunted to join a new company. He lives happily with his partner, Steph, and their two cats and has been crime-free for two years 24 LIBERTY CHOIR “ When I was inside, Liberty Choir made me feel like a person.When I got out, they provided a lot of help, friendship, and support”
LIBERTY CHOIR 27 26 LIBERTY CHOIR Liberty Choir The Longford Prize Winner 2025 Thank you To our funders, small and large. We appreciate you all and we wouldn’t be where we are without you – but special thanks must go to the following who have made a particularly outstanding and long-term contribution to the success of Liberty Choir: the Arts Council (and relationship manager Chloe Brookes – thank you for being with us from the very start and on), The Bromley Trust, the Forte Charitable Trust, Garfield Weston, Julia and Hans Rausing Trust, John Thaw Foundation, King Charles Charitable Fund, Maria Bjornson Memoria Fund, McGrath Charitable Trust, The Marchus Trust, Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey, the Sainsbury Family Charitable Trusts, The Tedworth Charitable Trust, Trusthouse Charitable Foundation, The Victoria Wood Foundation and the Wimbledon Foundation. To our patrons Cherie Blair and David Gilmour; our ambassadors Jenny Agutter, Chris Atkins, Vicky Bell, Ross Bell, Tim Bryan, Mark Downer, Michael Gove and Kate Ruby; our board Alexandra Felix, Nick Hardwick, Jenny Holden, Oliver Huggins, Steve Manwaring, Paul Webster, to our small operational team which works like a big team – Siobhan Harkin, David Hurst, Diana Saline, Kate Steere, May Wong and all who came before, thanks to fundraising consultant Clare McIntosh, and Denise Mueller-Brown who produces our newsletters; our music team Alice Williams, Becky Mitchell, Colm Molloy, David Perkins, Ian Radcliffe, Jeremy Cooke, Katherine Strohmaier, Laura Casas Cambra, Marika Rauscher, Miles Russell, Sarah Kershaw, Tom Millar. We would like to give a huge thank you to the excellent musician and friend Alex Roberts who was with Liberty Choir right from the start and has always got it and given so much of his passion and talent to the charity. Our loss has been the Welsh National Opera’s gain where he is now clarinettist. Our prisoners and our volunteers who make up Liberty Choirs every week are the marrow of our organization – the former who have the courage to walk into the room and to persist, the latter for their loyalty to the men and women and patience at dealing with a broken system; they never give up. And our prison graduates, as well as their family members, who repay that loyalty and have moved into supporting roles for us, as fundraisers, ambassadors and who just stay in touch because of the bond that is created in the worst place they have found themselves in. A special call out here to Ross and Vicky Bell who have raised staggering sums of money for Liberty Choir every year since we met Ross in HMP Wandsworth in the very first session in 2014 and are wonderful ambassadors for us – always showing up, always saying “Yes” whatever we ask. Ian Hislop was one of the first people approached to support Liberty Choir in the build up to the launch on 1 April 2014 and he took out his cheque book, in his office in Private Eye, and said, “How much?”. He has supported us with larger sums every year since then and trusts us to use it well, which means so much. He is one of many people who have helped us through the years. Clare Conville is another outstanding benefactor, who uses every opportunity in her considerable network to bring money to Liberty Choir. She goes above and beyond and has transformed the fortunes of our small charity. A big thank you also to what were her fellow members on an initiative of a development board: David Bermingham and Gill Morgan, still very much engaged with LC, as well as Christine Costello and Lisa Gordon. Thank you to our partners in prisons, the Governors and their staff – some of whom are truly exceptional. Also to those we work with: The Clink restaurants, PACT, The Koestler Trust, Bouncebank to name a few. Laura Thorne, our independent evaluator completed eighteen months of work assessing its effectiveness and we were delighted to see she found strong evidence that it is. This brochure was produced with stellar support from the top tier of British journalistic talent. Thank you especially to the dream team of Caz Roberts and Mark Harrison, who have worked for less than even a charitable rate, and have been endlessly enthusiastic and patient throughout. Esteemed editors, Gill Morgan and Paul Webster, gave their services for free. Jesse Jenkins kindly agreed to a reduced rate for printing. Their combined generosity means we’ve been able to make a high-quality brochure on a small budget. We are helped by so many people and organisations - we try to make sure they are all listed on the home page of our website. The Bedford Pub has been incredible, hosting so many events for us for free and we will be looking at employment possibilities with them for our graduates. And thanks also extend to The Groucho Club for their kindness to the charity and support, too. LIBERTY CHOIR SAVES LIVES AND MAKES YOUR LIFE SAFER Brochure Team Editor-in-chief: Ginny Dougary Editor: Siobhan Harkin Design: Carolyn Roberts Principal Photography: Mark Harrison Location Manager: Becky Pennick Project Support by Thomas Cleeton Printing by Jesse Jenkins of Park Graphius Consultants: Paul Webster and Gill Morgan Proofreaders: May Wong and Peter Wilson You can make a donation through our website www.libertychoir.org Liberty Choir UK Registered Charity Number 1173799 Registered office Jackson Hall, Portland Place, Hastings, East Sussex TN34 1QN www.libertychoir.org
In Loving Memory of Frazer Trought 17 May 1980 - 20 January 2026
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