Our annual summer concert raised an incredible £1,000 for local charity Zest. Part of the St Elizabeth Hospice Group, the hospice has been developing Zest since 2015 to ensure young adults have a smooth transition into adult care. Zest supports young adults aged 14 and upwards with progressive and incurable illnesses to ensure that they get the specialist care, tailored treatment and services they need to be able to enjoy life to the full.
Held on 2nd July at Grundisburgh Village Hall, the sell-out concert saw performances by Upbeat! Ladies choir, with support from male voice choir Offbeat!
Anna Greenwood from Upbeat! said: “Over the last 11 years Upbeat! has raised over £26,000 by hosting concerts and has supported many charities nationally and locally and this year we were delighted to choose Zest to receive a donation of £1,000 from the proceeds of the Summer concert.
“We initially learnt about Zest and its fantastic work through friend of the choir, Helen Finlinson, who leads on the Zest service and is passionate about the team’s work and we were keen to support such a vital service in our local community.”
Carol Jopling started Upbeat! in January 2012 with just a handful of friends singing in her own house. Since then, the choir has grown and there are now 65 members. Last year Carol started a male voice choir named Offbeat! and to-date has 20 men on the books.
The idea behind both choirs is that they are inclusive groups, open to everyone, including those who cannot read music as well as those who can. Upbeat! rehearses on Thursday evenings and Offbeat! on Tuesday evenings, both at 7.30pm in Grundisburgh Village Hall.
Kelly Nekrews, Community Fundraising Assistant at St Elizabeth Hospice, added: “What a fantastic performance by both Upbeat! Ladies and Offbeat! Male choirs and thank you so much for choosing to support Zest.
“You have raised a phenomenal amount for our young adult service. It really is greatly appreciated and the funds raised will make a big contribution to the service as we continue to evolve Zest to support even more young people throughout our local community.”
Co-produced with the families and young adults who use its service, Zest provides specialist medical and social support services to the young adults under its care. From its unique Short Breaks, which allows young adults to escape their daily routine, through to parent support groups and X-Change evening social groups, Zest allows young people to enjoy life to the full and fulfil their aspirations.
To find out more about Zest call 01473 727776 or visit www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/zest.
