Free online concert to raise funds for Sheffield charity

A free online concert in the name of charity will be held this Sunday as part of an effort in combating isolation and loneliness among older people across Sheffield, especially during the pandemic.

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The Music Makes Memories, which had gained a huge following during its inaugural concert in February last year in Barnsley, this time will return virtually on Facebook.

Freelance Community Consultant Kathy Markwick said the weekend event will be raising funds for Sheffield Churches Council for Community Care (SCCCC) due to their continuous support for the older people.

Picture of Margery and Ann as part of Good Neighbours scheme by SCCCC. Picture by SCCCC.Picture of Margery and Ann as part of Good Neighbours scheme by SCCCC. Picture by SCCCC.
Picture of Margery and Ann as part of Good Neighbours scheme by SCCCC. Picture by SCCCC.

SCCCC Fundraising, Communications and Marketing Officer Ericka Hill said the event was a "perfect way" to keep the older people connected in these tough times.

She said: "We have stopped face-to-face meetings with old people because of the pandemic and to find a way to reach out to other people for free, is just a perfect way to keep them connected.

"I am proud to be part of it because not only does it help combat loneliness and isolation, but it also helps spread the word about what we do to support older people in Sheffield," she said.

She said SCCCC has a number of support schemes where the volunteers get to know the older people through a pen pal scheme, where people can write the residents a message.

The online concert will feature local singer, Jessica Mary Brett. Picture by SCCCC.The online concert will feature local singer, Jessica Mary Brett. Picture by SCCCC.
The online concert will feature local singer, Jessica Mary Brett. Picture by SCCCC.

"And hopefully we can reach about 3000 people for this online concert so we can spread awareness about the work that we do.”

One of the sponsors, Sheffield-based SOAR community said they have worked with a variety of community projects that share the same values and ambition as them.

Rose Batty from SOAR said: "SOAR is a community regeneration charity that provides a range of services designed to improve a person's health, wellbeing & employability.

The poster of the virtual concert this Sunday.The poster of the virtual concert this Sunday.
The poster of the virtual concert this Sunday.

"Every year we run a Let’s Build Health Small Grants round & are lucky enough to work with a variety of community projects that have the same ambitions & values as us.

"This year through the People keeping Well funding we were able to give £33,903 to 25 community projects."

The concert, which will feature local singer Jessica Mary Brett, will start at 2pm on her Facebook page here.

Meanwhile, donations to SCCCC can be made directly on their website here.

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