Dorset performers bring joy to new charity song for Shaftesbury
People with disabilities from across Dorset have joined forces with a national charity to record a brand-new song celebrating inclusion, friendship and the joy of being part of a community.
Students and young adults supported by disability charity Shaftesbury have lent their voices and talents to Joy oh Joy, a new song written especially for the charity by renowned British songwriter Graham Kendrick.
The Dorset recording brought together students from Shaftesbury Victoria School in Poole and nearby Shaftesbury Millie College, alongside staff and young adults supported at Shaftesbury Horizons, a residential service in Poole.
The group travelled to Echotown Studio in Dorchester to record their contribution, with people taking part in different ways – from singing and signing to dancing and playing percussion.
For many of those involved, it was their first experience of a professional recording studio.
James, 32, who lives at Shaftesbury Horizons, spent a week rehearsing the song before the recording.
“I really enjoyed practicing the song with staff. It was fun going to the studio and I liked singing with some of my friends and support workers.”
Student Alisha, 18, also features as a soloist. She says the opportunity gave her an experience she will never forget.
“Being chosen to go and sing in a professional studio is something I won’t forget. I loved the experience, seeing all the equipment and looking at how things work was amazing. I’ve been singing since a young age, I love it because I’m able to express myself.”
A song inspired by Shaftesbury's work
Graham Kendrick, best known for Christian worship songs including Shine Jesus Shine, was inspired to create Joy oh Joy after learning more about Shaftesbury and its work supporting people with disabilities.
The charity supports more than 4,000 children, young people and adults with disabilities every year, providing specialist education, care and rehabilitation services across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Shaftesbury’s work dates back to 1844, when the 7th Earl of Shaftesbury – a pioneering social reformer – began campaigning for and supporting vulnerable people.
Kendrick says he was particularly inspired by stories of the Earl hosting joyful feasts for the people he campaigned for.
“This inspired me to write Joy oh Joy in his honour, and to celebrate the amazing work of Shaftesbury that continues to the present day.”
His aim, he says, was to create “a catchy song expressing the spirit of Shaftesbury”.
The song’s message is about giving people with disabilities a voice, encouraging participation and celebrating the contribution everyone can make to society.
Bringing people together through music
The Dorset recording is part of a much bigger project. Groups of people supported by Shaftesbury, along with staff and supporters, also came together in London, Gateshead and Essex to record their parts.
The different recordings have been brought together to create Shaftesbury’s version of Joy oh Joy, accompanied by a video featuring people from across the charity’s UK network.
Shaftesbury Vice-President Pam Rhodes, the broadcaster and former long-serving presenter of BBC’s Songs of Praise, also features on the recording.
She says:
“The way in which this project has brought together so many people to sing out in joy has been so exciting! Graham’s song touches hearts and souls with words that inspire. The catchy melody means I’ve found myself humming it for hours after I’ve heard it.”
Shaftesbury CEO Sally Chivers says the song captures the charity’s message of inclusion.
“It’s thrilling that a songwriter of Graham’s calibre has been inspired to write this song, the lyrics of which speak volumes and amplify our message. We certainly intend to turn up the volume to inspire more people to get involved with our work and support us in whatever way they can.”
What does Shaftesbury do?
Shaftesbury is a national disability charity supporting children, young people and adults to live lives that “add up for them”.
The charity recognises that what makes life meaningful is different for everyone. It could be friendship, having fun, being part of a community, learning a new skill, overcoming a challenge or simply having a great conversation.
Through specialist education, care and rehabilitation services, Shaftesbury works alongside the people it supports to promote inclusion, independence and opportunity.
Its message is summed up in its belief that we are “all together better for disability” – creating opportunities for people to take part, contribute and be valued within their communities.
For the Dorset performers involved in Joy oh Joy, that meant stepping into a recording studio, learning a new song and becoming part of a project reaching far beyond their own communities.
And, fittingly, they did it together.
Find out more abut the work of Shaftesbury on their website.
Listen to Joy oh Joy
Shaftesbury’s version of Joy oh Joy is available to watch online, featuring contributions from people supported by the charity across the UK.
Watch Shaftesbury’s Joy oh Joy on YouTube
Find more local community stories and features on Love It Local magazine.
