Inclusive Bournville choir proves 'revolutionary' for singers
2025-01-27
Category: entertainment

Members of an inclusive choir in Birmingham say the group is transforming their lives and providing them with a safe space to sing together.Breathe Collective, based at Bournville Parish Church, is aimed at those who identify as neurodivergent, disabled or have additional needs, as well as their carers, organisers say.One of the group's leaders, Laura Godwin, said they give careful thought to the lighting and sensory needs when they meet and have sign language at their sessions. She added: "I just wanted to bring everyone together with music, what's not to love and be inclusive about music!"
The group is free to join but donations are welcome, she adds, with the main funding from Birmingham City Council through their Selly Oak Neighbourhood Network Scheme. "It's been lovely and quite surprising, there's a lot of marginalized people in our community that we don't know about," Ms Godwin said."Music and singing and a group that is so welcoming, that's something that people can access and join in with. "It's not just about the singing it's about the community and the integration and the friendship."
Beth brings her two young children to the group and said: "There's very little things like this around, it's essential really for us. "We've really struggled to find groups that are inclusive and meet my children's needs, so it's just very revolutionary really."While another member, Sadie,18, added: "I've always had autism, and I've always spent my whole life too scared to join clubs because I was too worried about judged. "So it's been really nice to join a group and feel welcome, not judged and I can be myself."The group meet on the first and third Wednesday of each month. 
Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.