Liberty Choir
@libertychoiruk.bsky.social
Liberty Choir delivers interactive music programmes into prisons & psychiatric units and promotes resettlement opportunities for inmates upon release.
We are truly honoured to have won the 2025 @longfordtrust.bsky.social Prize!
Founded by MJ Paranzino & Ginny Dougary 11 years ago, we are filled with pride that our work in prisons has now been recognised with such a monumental accolade.
Thanks to all who have supported us - this is for you.
Founded by MJ Paranzino & Ginny Dougary 11 years ago, we are filled with pride that our work in prisons has now been recognised with such a monumental accolade.
Thanks to all who have supported us - this is for you.
November 14, 2025 at 2:07 PM
We are truly honoured to have won the 2025 @longfordtrust.bsky.social Prize!
Founded by MJ Paranzino & Ginny Dougary 11 years ago, we are filled with pride that our work in prisons has now been recognised with such a monumental accolade.
Thanks to all who have supported us - this is for you.
Founded by MJ Paranzino & Ginny Dougary 11 years ago, we are filled with pride that our work in prisons has now been recognised with such a monumental accolade.
Thanks to all who have supported us - this is for you.
We are incredibly proud of our Liberty Choir Graduate Thomas Cleeton who had his poem selected for our partner charity Koestler Arts’ latest volume of New Poetry from Prisons!
Learn more and purchase the poetry collection at the following link 👉🏻 bit.ly/43TG88m
Learn more and purchase the poetry collection at the following link 👉🏻 bit.ly/43TG88m
November 6, 2025 at 1:07 PM
We are incredibly proud of our Liberty Choir Graduate Thomas Cleeton who had his poem selected for our partner charity Koestler Arts’ latest volume of New Poetry from Prisons!
Learn more and purchase the poetry collection at the following link 👉🏻 bit.ly/43TG88m
Learn more and purchase the poetry collection at the following link 👉🏻 bit.ly/43TG88m
Reposted by Liberty Choir
Nice to read about something positive in the prison system - the work of @libertychoiruk.bsky.social!
“Hans is distressed, angry. But then he sings. He smiles. A first moment of calm.”
Read more as Paul Webster shares what he learned singing with prisoners every week.
https://bit.ly/3JDjnPg
Read more as Paul Webster shares what he learned singing with prisoners every week.
https://bit.ly/3JDjnPg
What I learned singing with prisoners every week
Behind bars, violence and despair are overwhelming. But when Liberty Choir meets, something extraordinary happens
bit.ly
November 2, 2025 at 11:44 AM
Nice to read about something positive in the prison system - the work of @libertychoiruk.bsky.social!
We are thrilled to have had our work in prisons featured on
@observeruk.bsky.social!
Written by Liberty Choir trustee Paul Webster, the article recounts his experiences within prison as a volunteer of our programmes.
Read the full article at the following link 👉🏻 bit.ly/3JenO31
@observeruk.bsky.social!
Written by Liberty Choir trustee Paul Webster, the article recounts his experiences within prison as a volunteer of our programmes.
Read the full article at the following link 👉🏻 bit.ly/3JenO31
November 3, 2025 at 3:38 PM
We are thrilled to have had our work in prisons featured on
@observeruk.bsky.social!
Written by Liberty Choir trustee Paul Webster, the article recounts his experiences within prison as a volunteer of our programmes.
Read the full article at the following link 👉🏻 bit.ly/3JenO31
@observeruk.bsky.social!
Written by Liberty Choir trustee Paul Webster, the article recounts his experiences within prison as a volunteer of our programmes.
Read the full article at the following link 👉🏻 bit.ly/3JenO31
Prisons are cutting spending on education by up to 50%.
This has concerning implications on reoffending, with the rate for prisoners who engaged in education being 34% versus 43% for those who weren't.
Learn more at the following link: bit.ly/3W1zIQv
This has concerning implications on reoffending, with the rate for prisoners who engaged in education being 34% versus 43% for those who weren't.
Learn more at the following link: bit.ly/3W1zIQv
Education cuts in prisons ultimately endanger the public, watchdog says
Charlie Taylor hits out at risk of real-terms spending cuts in prisons in England and Wales derailing work to break cycle of reoffending
bit.ly
October 14, 2025 at 4:13 PM
Prisons are cutting spending on education by up to 50%.
This has concerning implications on reoffending, with the rate for prisoners who engaged in education being 34% versus 43% for those who weren't.
Learn more at the following link: bit.ly/3W1zIQv
This has concerning implications on reoffending, with the rate for prisoners who engaged in education being 34% versus 43% for those who weren't.
Learn more at the following link: bit.ly/3W1zIQv
This #WorldMentalHealthDay we are raising awareness of the mental health crisis within prisons, which according to the
@centreformh.bsky.social
has become “the norm, not the exception”.
Our choir attendees report improved happiness, self confidence and more. Learn more: bit.ly/4nLFqSN
@centreformh.bsky.social
has become “the norm, not the exception”.
Our choir attendees report improved happiness, self confidence and more. Learn more: bit.ly/4nLFqSN
October 10, 2025 at 10:51 AM
This #WorldMentalHealthDay we are raising awareness of the mental health crisis within prisons, which according to the
@centreformh.bsky.social
has become “the norm, not the exception”.
Our choir attendees report improved happiness, self confidence and more. Learn more: bit.ly/4nLFqSN
@centreformh.bsky.social
has become “the norm, not the exception”.
Our choir attendees report improved happiness, self confidence and more. Learn more: bit.ly/4nLFqSN
In 2023-24, only 45% of released prisoners had settled accommodation. The proven reoffending rate of offenders released into homelessness is 56.5%
Our work doesn’t stop on release, continuing by supporting our LC Graduates' accommodation needs, finding work through our employment scheme and more.
Our work doesn’t stop on release, continuing by supporting our LC Graduates' accommodation needs, finding work through our employment scheme and more.
October 7, 2025 at 11:58 AM
In 2023-24, only 45% of released prisoners had settled accommodation. The proven reoffending rate of offenders released into homelessness is 56.5%
Our work doesn’t stop on release, continuing by supporting our LC Graduates' accommodation needs, finding work through our employment scheme and more.
Our work doesn’t stop on release, continuing by supporting our LC Graduates' accommodation needs, finding work through our employment scheme and more.
On Saturday, we had our first Strategic Day with our amazing Board towards our five-year business plan.
It was hosted by our very generous supporter The Groucho Club, with more interesting possibilities to come there. It was great to have Audrey looking down on us from above!
It was hosted by our very generous supporter The Groucho Club, with more interesting possibilities to come there. It was great to have Audrey looking down on us from above!
September 25, 2025 at 4:17 PM
On Saturday, we had our first Strategic Day with our amazing Board towards our five-year business plan.
It was hosted by our very generous supporter The Groucho Club, with more interesting possibilities to come there. It was great to have Audrey looking down on us from above!
It was hosted by our very generous supporter The Groucho Club, with more interesting possibilities to come there. It was great to have Audrey looking down on us from above!
The @prtuk.bsky.social's latest report address the challenges of reintegrating individuals back into society following lengthy imprisonment, many of whom citing the importance of organisations and charities’ support in the process.
Read the full report 👉🏻 bit.ly/3K0Kaor
Read the full report 👉🏻 bit.ly/3K0Kaor
Release from long-term imprisonment | Prison Reform Trust
bit.ly
September 16, 2025 at 4:03 PM
The @prtuk.bsky.social's latest report address the challenges of reintegrating individuals back into society following lengthy imprisonment, many of whom citing the importance of organisations and charities’ support in the process.
Read the full report 👉🏻 bit.ly/3K0Kaor
Read the full report 👉🏻 bit.ly/3K0Kaor
Our graduates, volunteers and choirs in the community had a fabulous time performing at the Circle of Liberty concert.
We are very grateful to our Ambassadors Ross and Vicky Bell for organising yet another fantastic gala fundraiser concert in support of our work!
We are very grateful to our Ambassadors Ross and Vicky Bell for organising yet another fantastic gala fundraiser concert in support of our work!
August 21, 2025 at 8:37 PM
Our graduates, volunteers and choirs in the community had a fabulous time performing at the Circle of Liberty concert.
We are very grateful to our Ambassadors Ross and Vicky Bell for organising yet another fantastic gala fundraiser concert in support of our work!
We are very grateful to our Ambassadors Ross and Vicky Bell for organising yet another fantastic gala fundraiser concert in support of our work!
Less than a fifth of UK businesses are recruiting ex-offenders, leading to increased reoffending.
Of those imprisoned for reoffending, 52% were unable to find a job after their first release.
We have been working to continue expanding our Graduate Employment Scheme. Read more 👉🏻 bit.ly/45iwFJ4
Of those imprisoned for reoffending, 52% were unable to find a job after their first release.
We have been working to continue expanding our Graduate Employment Scheme. Read more 👉🏻 bit.ly/45iwFJ4
Only 16% of UK firms are recruiting ex-offenders, research suggests
A new report has claimed a lack of job opportunities for former prisoners is driving reoffending.
bit.ly
August 19, 2025 at 5:39 PM
Less than a fifth of UK businesses are recruiting ex-offenders, leading to increased reoffending.
Of those imprisoned for reoffending, 52% were unable to find a job after their first release.
We have been working to continue expanding our Graduate Employment Scheme. Read more 👉🏻 bit.ly/45iwFJ4
Of those imprisoned for reoffending, 52% were unable to find a job after their first release.
We have been working to continue expanding our Graduate Employment Scheme. Read more 👉🏻 bit.ly/45iwFJ4
Family is critical to prisoners’ rehabilitation; those who receive family visits are 39% less likely to reoffend compared to those who don’t.
Our in-prison choir programmes help provide a vital sense of family to our attendees. Read more about the other work we do: libertychoir.org
Our in-prison choir programmes help provide a vital sense of family to our attendees. Read more about the other work we do: libertychoir.org
August 14, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Family is critical to prisoners’ rehabilitation; those who receive family visits are 39% less likely to reoffend compared to those who don’t.
Our in-prison choir programmes help provide a vital sense of family to our attendees. Read more about the other work we do: libertychoir.org
Our in-prison choir programmes help provide a vital sense of family to our attendees. Read more about the other work we do: libertychoir.org
“Most people are going to come out again, and you have to hope they don’t come out worse”
Nick Hardwick's comments follows the Ministry of Justice's latest independent review revealing the prison system came close to total collapse on 3 separate occasions in a 12 month period. bit.ly/47jax2s
Nick Hardwick's comments follows the Ministry of Justice's latest independent review revealing the prison system came close to total collapse on 3 separate occasions in a 12 month period. bit.ly/47jax2s
Wednesday briefing: How sentencing policies have led to a failing prison system in the UK
In today’s newsletter: From longer sentences to rising recall rates, prioritising punishment over rehabilitation could mean a total collapse of our prisons
bit.ly
August 8, 2025 at 12:21 PM
“Most people are going to come out again, and you have to hope they don’t come out worse”
Nick Hardwick's comments follows the Ministry of Justice's latest independent review revealing the prison system came close to total collapse on 3 separate occasions in a 12 month period. bit.ly/47jax2s
Nick Hardwick's comments follows the Ministry of Justice's latest independent review revealing the prison system came close to total collapse on 3 separate occasions in a 12 month period. bit.ly/47jax2s
We are thrilled to have been featured on BBC Music Magazine's article on music programmes which introduce prisoners to the world of music, help them open up to others and supporting their rehabilitation back into society before and after their release.
Read the article 👉🏻 bit.ly/3UgG4KR
Read the article 👉🏻 bit.ly/3UgG4KR
How music is helping prisoners to turn away from a life of crime | Classical Music
Organisations providing opportunities for prisoners to make music do much to preserve dignity and encourage rehabilitation
bit.ly
August 6, 2025 at 4:43 PM
We are thrilled to have been featured on BBC Music Magazine's article on music programmes which introduce prisoners to the world of music, help them open up to others and supporting their rehabilitation back into society before and after their release.
Read the article 👉🏻 bit.ly/3UgG4KR
Read the article 👉🏻 bit.ly/3UgG4KR
We were privileged to share the joy of our first Friends & Family concert at a women’s prison with guests including reps of
@artscouncilengland.bsky.social, Surrey PCC and Nick Hardwick, former Chief Inspector of Prisons.
Thank you @theclinkcharity.bsky.social for the refreshments!
@artscouncilengland.bsky.social, Surrey PCC and Nick Hardwick, former Chief Inspector of Prisons.
Thank you @theclinkcharity.bsky.social for the refreshments!
August 1, 2025 at 7:05 PM
We were privileged to share the joy of our first Friends & Family concert at a women’s prison with guests including reps of
@artscouncilengland.bsky.social, Surrey PCC and Nick Hardwick, former Chief Inspector of Prisons.
Thank you @theclinkcharity.bsky.social for the refreshments!
@artscouncilengland.bsky.social, Surrey PCC and Nick Hardwick, former Chief Inspector of Prisons.
Thank you @theclinkcharity.bsky.social for the refreshments!
Our Co-founders MJ Paranzino and Ginny Dougary had a great day at our partner charity Koestler Arts as part of the judging panel for the 2025 Koestler Awards. There is so much talent in our prisons!
July 28, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Our Co-founders MJ Paranzino and Ginny Dougary had a great day at our partner charity Koestler Arts as part of the judging panel for the 2025 Koestler Awards. There is so much talent in our prisons!
Having launched our 2025 Fundraising Drive just over a month ago, multiple supporters of ours have already started doing fundraisers of their own!
Still thinking about fundraising for us? We would love
to hear your ideas, big or small! Send us an email at
katesteere@libertychoir.org to learn more 🤩
Still thinking about fundraising for us? We would love
to hear your ideas, big or small! Send us an email at
katesteere@libertychoir.org to learn more 🤩
July 15, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Having launched our 2025 Fundraising Drive just over a month ago, multiple supporters of ours have already started doing fundraisers of their own!
Still thinking about fundraising for us? We would love
to hear your ideas, big or small! Send us an email at
katesteere@libertychoir.org to learn more 🤩
Still thinking about fundraising for us? We would love
to hear your ideas, big or small! Send us an email at
katesteere@libertychoir.org to learn more 🤩
Next Sunday July 20th, Ambassadors Vicky and Ross Bell are hosting their annual gala fundraiser concert in support of our choir programmes! Check out the performing choirs 👇🏻
Purchase your tickets today, or do consider paying-it-forward to our chosen charities if you can't make it: bit.ly/3RTh4rY
Purchase your tickets today, or do consider paying-it-forward to our chosen charities if you can't make it: bit.ly/3RTh4rY
July 11, 2025 at 1:21 PM
Next Sunday July 20th, Ambassadors Vicky and Ross Bell are hosting their annual gala fundraiser concert in support of our choir programmes! Check out the performing choirs 👇🏻
Purchase your tickets today, or do consider paying-it-forward to our chosen charities if you can't make it: bit.ly/3RTh4rY
Purchase your tickets today, or do consider paying-it-forward to our chosen charities if you can't make it: bit.ly/3RTh4rY
We are so grateful for @westonfdn.bsky.social's invaluable support to our choir programmes over the years 🙏🏻
🌍🎶Today is #WorldMusicDay! We're proud to support amazing organisations like @alinaorchestra.bsky.social and @libertychoiruk.bsky.social that are transforming lives through the power of music across the UK.
Thank you for all you do to make music more accessible, impactful and transformative! 🎼
Thank you for all you do to make music more accessible, impactful and transformative! 🎼
July 4, 2025 at 3:18 PM
We are so grateful for @westonfdn.bsky.social's invaluable support to our choir programmes over the years 🙏🏻
We are thrilled that our choir programme at HMP Send was recognised in @hmiprisonsnews.bsky.social's latest inspection report.
It's a privilege to have been able to contribute to Send's range of purposeful activity, learning culture and community ethos.
Read the full report 👉🏻 bit.ly/4nxdzWA
It's a privilege to have been able to contribute to Send's range of purposeful activity, learning culture and community ethos.
Read the full report 👉🏻 bit.ly/4nxdzWA
July 4, 2025 at 3:15 PM
We are thrilled that our choir programme at HMP Send was recognised in @hmiprisonsnews.bsky.social's latest inspection report.
It's a privilege to have been able to contribute to Send's range of purposeful activity, learning culture and community ethos.
Read the full report 👉🏻 bit.ly/4nxdzWA
It's a privilege to have been able to contribute to Send's range of purposeful activity, learning culture and community ethos.
Read the full report 👉🏻 bit.ly/4nxdzWA
We are ecstatic to have launched our second Fundraising Drive at our longtime partner The Bedford Pub!
Even if you weren't able attend our workshop, you can still do a fundraiser for us! Get in touch with any ideas you may have at katesteere@libertychoir.org
Even if you weren't able attend our workshop, you can still do a fundraiser for us! Get in touch with any ideas you may have at katesteere@libertychoir.org
June 19, 2025 at 11:37 PM
We are ecstatic to have launched our second Fundraising Drive at our longtime partner The Bedford Pub!
Even if you weren't able attend our workshop, you can still do a fundraiser for us! Get in touch with any ideas you may have at katesteere@libertychoir.org
Even if you weren't able attend our workshop, you can still do a fundraiser for us! Get in touch with any ideas you may have at katesteere@libertychoir.org
Interested in volunteering with Liberty Choir?
🌟 We have vacancies available at our programmes in Surrey (HMP Coldingley) and Sutton (HMP High Down and Downview)!
All experience levels of singing and volunteering are welcome! Learn more/ register your interest at volunteering@libertychoir.org
🌟 We have vacancies available at our programmes in Surrey (HMP Coldingley) and Sutton (HMP High Down and Downview)!
All experience levels of singing and volunteering are welcome! Learn more/ register your interest at volunteering@libertychoir.org
June 13, 2025 at 1:33 PM
Interested in volunteering with Liberty Choir?
🌟 We have vacancies available at our programmes in Surrey (HMP Coldingley) and Sutton (HMP High Down and Downview)!
All experience levels of singing and volunteering are welcome! Learn more/ register your interest at volunteering@libertychoir.org
🌟 We have vacancies available at our programmes in Surrey (HMP Coldingley) and Sutton (HMP High Down and Downview)!
All experience levels of singing and volunteering are welcome! Learn more/ register your interest at volunteering@libertychoir.org
This July, our Ambassadors Ross and Vicky Bell will be hosting their annual Gala Fundraiser concert in Ramsgate!
Featuring four choirs in a powerful celebration of freedom, community, and connection, this will be an uplifting afternoon of song.
Get your tickets today: bit.ly/3RTh4rY
Featuring four choirs in a powerful celebration of freedom, community, and connection, this will be an uplifting afternoon of song.
Get your tickets today: bit.ly/3RTh4rY
June 11, 2025 at 1:03 PM
This July, our Ambassadors Ross and Vicky Bell will be hosting their annual Gala Fundraiser concert in Ramsgate!
Featuring four choirs in a powerful celebration of freedom, community, and connection, this will be an uplifting afternoon of song.
Get your tickets today: bit.ly/3RTh4rY
Featuring four choirs in a powerful celebration of freedom, community, and connection, this will be an uplifting afternoon of song.
Get your tickets today: bit.ly/3RTh4rY
We are very excited to be launching our second Fundraising Drive later today from 11 am - 4 pm at our always supportive partner @thebedfordpub.bsky.social!
Yesterday evening, our team got together for dinner ahead of our Fundraising Workshop - who is looking forward to joining us later today?
Yesterday evening, our team got together for dinner ahead of our Fundraising Workshop - who is looking forward to joining us later today?
June 7, 2025 at 8:39 AM
We are very excited to be launching our second Fundraising Drive later today from 11 am - 4 pm at our always supportive partner @thebedfordpub.bsky.social!
Yesterday evening, our team got together for dinner ahead of our Fundraising Workshop - who is looking forward to joining us later today?
Yesterday evening, our team got together for dinner ahead of our Fundraising Workshop - who is looking forward to joining us later today?
🌟 We are still accepting sign ups for our Fundraising Day!
Want to learn how you can put the FUN in FUNdraising? Haven't had the chance to register your interest yet? Get in touch at katesteere@libertychoir.org to secure your place today!
Lunch and refreshments will be available ☕️
Want to learn how you can put the FUN in FUNdraising? Haven't had the chance to register your interest yet? Get in touch at katesteere@libertychoir.org to secure your place today!
Lunch and refreshments will be available ☕️
May 28, 2025 at 3:54 PM
🌟 We are still accepting sign ups for our Fundraising Day!
Want to learn how you can put the FUN in FUNdraising? Haven't had the chance to register your interest yet? Get in touch at katesteere@libertychoir.org to secure your place today!
Lunch and refreshments will be available ☕️
Want to learn how you can put the FUN in FUNdraising? Haven't had the chance to register your interest yet? Get in touch at katesteere@libertychoir.org to secure your place today!
Lunch and refreshments will be available ☕️