Manchester Virtual Youth Choir cover of ‘These Days’ aims to raise £500 for NSPCC and Childline

Manchester Virtual Youth Choir is aiming to raise £500 for the NSPCC and Childline.

Led by choir leader Phil Reynolds from Rochdale, 28 students aged between seven and 23 recorded a cover of 'These Days' by Rudimental and Jess Glynne. Each student recorded their part on phones and tablets whilst in isolation between April and June 2020 during the Covid-19 lockdown, coming together virtually to create the cover of the track.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/135131/manchester-virtual-youth-choir-makes-online-debut-with-cover-of-these-days

The video features students from Rochdale, Middleton, Heywood, Littleborough and Stockport (including several who have appeared in professional shows, such as Sofia Wilkinson-Hill who played bass-player Katie in School Of Rock in the West End last year), plus a special introduction by Rochdale soap star Sue Devaney.

Phil, who runs Sing! Littleborough, the Rochdale Carers Choir, Tameside Voices and Sapphire Blue, says the virtual youth choir began as a free way to keep his vocal students busy, as not all could continue with online lessons during lockdown for various reasons.

The video, which was recorded individually by choir members and edited by 17-year-old piano student Sam Townsend, has already been viewed more than 17,000 times across YouTube, Facebook and Instagram, with contact details for Childline, the NSPCC and other mental health support organisations included in the video description.

Phil said more videos were in the pipeline, and he hoped by including a donation link to the NSPCC, the Manchester Virtual Youth Choir could support Childline throughout lockdown and beyond.

 

 

Phil said: “We want as many people to see it as possible, and if it means any one sees the resources and contacts Childline or NSPCC if they’re concerned about someone and gets in touch, if they or someone they know are struggling and reaches out, then it’s all been worthwhile.”

Vickie Butcher, community fundraising manager, said the song and Phil’s dedication to supporting the NSPCC was inspiring.

She said: “We’re so pleased that Phil and the choir have chosen to use their amazing talents to support us, and we’re really grateful for all their efforts.

“The video is terrific, and the fact it’s helping to signpost people towards Childline and the NSPCC means our message that we’re still here for children can spread even wider and help anyone with concerns about young people to find support when they need it most.”

Anyone who has enjoyed the video is asked to donate directly to NSPCC services located in Greater Manchester and the North West. Every £4 raised will ensure a specially-trained Childline counsellor can answer a contact from a child or young person.

The NSPCC has also launched a national appeal to raise crucial funds to support young people and their families across the UK during this challenging time.

It’s urging the public to donate £10 to help fund vital services like Childline, so the charity can continue to be here for the young people who desperately need someone to talk to, especially when home isn’t a safe place.

To donate, please visit:

• www.justgiving.com/fundraising/manchestervirtualyouthchoir