For the last 10 years, we have built up a choir that are brimming with pride singing songs that celebrate our North East heritage. It has brought so much joy to the choir members and everyone else involved including staff, volunteers and people in our community. They have performed all over the region, including as part of Wallsend Festival and at veteran support events at the White Swan Centre. We are now without funding for this important project. We need help to keep the choir singing and to help us to get back out in the community spreading Geordie cheer. We need some new equipment, as well as funds to hire the hall and pay for the staff to deliver the rehearsals and organise the performances. We also want to record a CD. The CD will be distributed to both the members of the choir so they can be proud to own something that they have created, and to other local groups like care homes that will enjoy the North East hits.

What we'll deliver:

• We will sing at 12 community events
• A CD will be produced and distributed
• We will purchase new equipment

Why it's a great idea:

Northern Notes takes an holistic approach to promoting and maintaining good mental and physical health through singing. We are a choir aimed at supporting people with learning disabilities, difficulties and autism. The members are vulnerable adults who experience difficulties in every day life and who might otherwise be isolated and socially marginalised. Being a member of this choir helps people to make new friends, feel happier, less isolated and a great sense of pride. It also helps people with learning disabilities and autism to feel more confident in themselves and feel valued. As well as the benefits to the members themselves, this project will also massively benefit our local community. It is a chance for the members to give back to their community, something that people with learning disabilities/autism don't often get a chance to do. Their songs, deep rooted in Northern history, will bring joy to everyone who sees them perform or listens to their CD.

Steps to get it done:

• We will hold a 10 year anniversary celebration event
• We will record and produce a CD
• We will purchase new equipment