Homelessness choir bids to hit right note

A CHOIR made up of people affected by homelessness and the charity staff who support them will perform a Christmas concert in Glasgow tonight.

The Salvation Army singers are getting ready to spread some festive cheer after rehearsing for the big event.

One member of the choir is Paul Davidson, from Glasgow, a resident at the Salvation Army’s Eva Burrows 1st Stop Project in Cambuslang.

Paul found himself homeless after falling out with his girlfriend.

But with the support of the Salvation Army he’s aiming to get back on his feet with a new home and job in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, he’s enjoying a new-found passion for singing and is looking forward to his first public performance.

Paul said: “I’m probably the last person you would imagine to be singing in a choir but I’m glad I got involved.

“The first time I went along to rehearsals I came back buzzing.

“Some people have asked if I’m worried about getting a bit of stick for singing in a choir but to be honest I don’t care.

“I came back and told everyone how good it was and how much fun we’d all had. I’m not much of a singer so I’m hoping the more experienced members of the choir will make up for my performance.

“I’ve been surprised how much I’ve enjoyed it. Boredom can be a big issue when you’re unemployed and homeless because there is not much to do.

“But the staff at the Salvation Army try to keep us occupied. People who are homeless would definitely benefit from being able to take part in more activities like the choir.”

The choir is led by Bobby Weir, a creative arts and music specialist at the Salvation Army.

He said: “We started the choir as a way of bringing people from all areas of the Salvation Army together. The Salvation Army’s history is steeped in music and we know that music and singing makes people feel good.”

Helen Murdoch, assistant regional homelessness manager, added: “The progress of the choir over the past few months has been incredible.

“You can see people’s confidence and abilities growing each week.”

The choir will perform tonight at the Salvation Army Community Church on Houldsworth Street at 6.30pm.