April 19, 2024, 11:46 | Updated: April 19, 2024, 12:09
CLA_2024_04_15_TOGETHER project_GMSN_16X9
Together Project is a north London music group that brings young and old together for song, dance and unity.
The Together project is a fantastic charity that brings together people of all ages to combat loneliness, build connections and bring joy and togetherness.
The 'Singing and Smiling' sessions bring together children aged 0-4, their adults and older people in care homes and care facilities to enjoy music together. Together Projects uses the joy of music-making to bring generations together, build friendships and combat loneliness, so these gatherings have songs, actions and instruments.
Founded in 2017 by Louise Golden, Classic FM presenter Alexander Armstrong was keen to pick up percussion and get involved.
And thanks to Classic FM's charity Global's Make Some Noise and your generous help with last year's national appeal, he had a pretty big surprise for Louise and the whole Together Project team.
Arriving outside Songs and Smiles, Alexander was greeted by singing voices, wood block percussion and lots of laughter as the intergenerational music session flourished.
Read more: How to donate to Global's Make Some Noise
Alexander Armstrong will be involved in the production of Songs and Smiles, a collection of music for all ages.Photo: Please make some noise
After greeting everyone, he told Louise about the work they were doing and how the grant from Make Some Noise could help.
“Music is what unites us. Whatever our abilities, it lights something within us,” Louise told the presenter. “It's just a way to have fun together.”
“[We want] We want to bring this fun, friendship, and community to even more places across the country. ”
Global's Make Some Noise has received an incredible amount of generosity to support projects like this in 2024. This gave Alexander confidence that he could uncover grant numbers that would have far exceeded Louise's expectations.
Mr Alexander revealed that he asked the charity's founder to step down and enlisted the help of young Songs and Smiles participants, resulting in an astonishing total of £61,400 in grants. Watch the moment in the video at the top of the page.
Alexander Armstrong, Louise and all are in Songs and Smiles with very special grant numbers.Photo: Please make some noise
Global's Make Some Noise is a charity of Classic FM. Our aim is to improve the lives of people across the UK by working with small charities that are doing amazing work in improving physical and mental health, improving life skills and preventing isolation.
Food banks, mental health and domestic violence helplines, carer support, community projects and music therapy initiatives have all received Global Make Some Noise grants in the past few months.
Every year, Classic FM joins all of our sister stations around the world in a campaign to highlight the work of these inspiring charities and raise money to support them.
“It's just amazing,” said a shocked and emotional Louise, listing what her charity could do with the grant. “That's a big change. Thank you so much.”
At that moment, I needed music. And just like the name of the session, songs and smiles were born again. With the added joy that thanks to Global's support of her Make Some Noise, more people, young and old, can participate in the creation of this music.