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
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