Creating Belonging Through Music: Our Northampton Pilot Choir
We’re delighted to be launching a brand-new pilot choir in Northampton in January 2026, in partnership with West Northamptonshire Council - and we’re inviting volunteers to be at the heart of it.
This new choir will follow the same simple but powerful model that has transformed lives across the UK for more than 17 years. Each weekly rehearsal begins with a cuppa and time to chat, and ends with a free hot meal. In between, people come together to sing, connect and feel part of a welcoming community. For many, these evenings offer a safe and supportive space during difficult times - a place to build friendships, grow in confidence and experience the joy of singing together.
With established choirs in seven cities nationwide, supporting people affected by homelessness, we’re thrilled to bring this new project to Northampton.
The 12-week pilot will run from January to April 2026 and is open to absolutely everyone. No singing experience is needed, there are no auditions, and rehearsals are completely free – just turn up and join in.
Rehearsals will take place at St James Church, St James Road, every Wednesday evening at 6pm, starting 21 January 2026.
Volunteers play a vital role in making these sessions possible, helping to create an atmosphere of warmth, dignity and belonging. We are now looking for enthusiastic volunteers to support the choir in Northampton each week. Volunteer roles include preparing and serving food, setting up and packing away, welcoming and chatting with choir members, offering friendly support, and helping with social media. Volunteering with The Choir with No Name is a rewarding way to meet new people, be actively involved in your local community, and experience first-hand the life-changing power of music. If you’d like to get involved, please register online and we’ll be in touch. If you have any questions before you register please get in touch with Choir Manager, Sally.
Why Volunteer with The Choir with No Name?
Volunteering with the Choir with No Name is a chance to be part of something genuinely meaningful. You’ll help create a safe, welcoming space where people facing tough times can connect and experience the joy of singing together.
As a volunteer, you’ll:
Make a real, positive difference in your local community
Be part of a friendly, supportive team
Meet people from all walks of life and build new connections
Gain practical experience in areas such as hospitality, community support, events and communications
Learn more about inclusive practice and trauma-informed spaces
Experience first-hand the uplifting, life-changing power of music
Whether you’re serving food, singing alongside the choir, welcoming new members or helping share their stories, your time and energy will directly contribute to creating moments of dignity, joy and belonging every single week.
Volunteer Roles & What to Expect
We need all hands on deck each week to help rehearsals run smoothly. Our volunteer team works together to create a warm, welcoming environment, with everyone rotating through roles so you can enjoy a variety of experiences and get to know different people.
A monthly rota will be created, with a clear breakdown of roles. These include:
Kitchen & Catering: Head Chef, kitchen helpers, tea and coffee station, and washing-up crew
Front of House: Welcoming and greeting people, taking registers, and supporting health and safety
Choir Support: Helping new members settle in, singing alongside the choir, and chatting with and supporting members
Storytelling & Communications: Supporting social media, and helping members share their stories through public speaking opportunities (for example, at gigs or radio interviews)
Time Commitment
This is a short, 12-week pilot project, so we’re looking for volunteers who can commit to attending most Wednesday rehearsals between 21 January and 8 April.
Sessions run weekly from 5:45pm - 9:00pm.
If you’re unable to make this full commitment, that’s absolutely fine - there are other ways to support the project, so please let us know.
We’re particularly keen to hear from volunteers who:
Have a First Aid or Fire Marshal qualification (or are happy to work towards one), and/or
Enjoy cooking or are confident in the kitchen
Volunteer Induction Session
All volunteers are asked to attend an induction session before rehearsals begin.
Date: Wednesday 14 January
Time: 5:45pm - 9:00pm
Location: St James Church, Northampton, NN5 5LE
During the induction, we’ll cover:
Who The Choir with No Name is and what we do
Why our work matters
An introduction to inclusive practice and trauma-informed spaces
Venue induction and health & safety
How weekly sessions work: roles, logistics, rotas and communication
Time for any questions you’d like to ask
