Introducing Young Carers Aloud choir, as seen on This Morning
Young Carers Aloud is a Christmas choir made up of young carers who have been supported by Action for Children.
The choir consists of 12 children and young people from Wales, aged 6 to 19, who have come together through their love of singing.
The choir performed at Action for Children’s first-ever Starry Night Gala, which took place on the 30th November at Battersea Arts Centre in London.
The event aimed to raise vital funds for children and young people who need it most.
The choir gives young carers the chance to have a break from their caring roles and connect with other young people through singing.
Some of these children and young people care for their parents, or care for a brother or sister and help with practical tasks around the home like cooking, housework, shopping and helping them dress.
In case you missed the choir's performance on This Morning, you can watch Young Carers Aloud on ITVX.
Singer-songwriter, Charlotte Church has joined Action for Children as a new vocal coach for its young carers’ choir.
Charlotte has been mentoring these individuals in Wales to make sure that these young carers were able to give the “performance of their lives” at the star-studded gala.
Intensive rehearsals and hard work have continued to ensure they felt confident and performance-ready to blow away celebrities and VIP guests with their singing talents at the gala.
Former young carer and Action for Children’s co-choir leader, Laura Jones, who started the choir in 2017, has worked closely with Charlotte to help members find their own voices and create tight bonds to support each other as they take on more responsibility and care for their families.
Laura said, “I still have to pinch myself to believe that this is happening and that I am working with the one and only, Charlotte Church!"
The experience has been life-changing for every choir member, including myself, giving us an opportunity to show what we can really do.
“I set up the choir for young carers who are passionate about singing and performing, giving them a chance to be with others who understand the challenges and sacrifices they make while supporting their families. I see them growing in confidence with each rehearsal.”
Choir member, Taylor, who cares for her mum, says: “Not a lot of people understand what it’s like to be a young carer, so to find people who do is rare. Being in the choir is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made."
Taylor added: “We can totally switch off and enjoy ourselves. I’m always telling people I’m part of the choir – I love it! I think back to the times when I’ve felt so low and alone and it feels surreal. I’m in such a different place now."
Working with Charlotte has been incredible, she’s getting the best out of us and I can’t wait to perform on the night.
There are an estimated one million young carers across the UK looking after a family member with a disability, illness or mental health problem - some as young as five years old.
At Action for Children, we help nearly 3,700 young carers across the UK. With your help, we could reach even more young carers and give them back their childhood.
Access to family help and breaks makes a real difference to the children we help.
