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’.
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