New Projects

Reclink Funding has choir singing for Joy (Photo)

The Starlight hotel began with two musicians Dave Johnson and Peter Anthony sitting in the St Patrick’s Community Support Centre between breakfast and lunch meals playing guitar and singing songs.  Clients began joining in with impromptu “jam sessions” and within a short period of time a music group was arranged for every Thursday morning between 9am and 11 45am at the centre.
The main goal of the choir is to create an environment for social inclusion. The Starlight Hotel Choir allows people from disadvantaged groups to participate in singing. The choir is designed to be a non stressful and flexible commitment and is dynamic in nature as  some of the people in the choir have mental health issues.

The Starlight hotel is made up of a group of people who are either homeless or at risk of being homeless. One of the underlying issues of this risk of homelessness is loneliness and a sense of isolation.  The music group has provided an avenue to develop a sense of community amongst choir members. They have also been able to establish connections with the broader community through their varied public performances.

St Patrick’s Community Support Centre  has recentle received  a Reclink Funding grant which will help to keep the Starlight Hotel Choir singing. We are also exploring other funding avenues to keep this group together and to encourage other community members to join in.