Words by Abi Scaife
The holiday season truly inspires the season of giving - you get all those warm fuzzies going on in your tummy, and everyone is throwing parties and sharing with their friends and families.
If you celebrate Christmas and love a bit of carol singing (or just fancy getting into the spirit of giving), why not head over to the NHS Christmas Carol Concert? Organised by The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, donations from the concert, taking place on Friday 8th December, will go a long way towards supporting the charity, and its NHS sites.
“Our mission is to provide vital funds to support projects that enhance the care and experience of patients and staff at Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust,” says Clare Allen, a spokesperson from the charity. “Every penny is invested by the Royal Berks Charity into new equipment, updating buildings, people and research for your local community, either immediately or in the long term.”
The concert will take place at Reading Minster, bringing together those who work for the NHS, people whose lives have been saved and made immeasurably better by the NHS, and members of the community who want to support the charity.
“The Royal Berks Charity highlights the need for vital funds to support the people and places who need it most urgently,” explains Clare. “By helping to raise funds for these areas, we underpin and support the hospital trust and therefore the wider community.”
“Royal Berks Charity bridges the gaps in the funding system and makes a real difference in the quality of hospital experience for both patients and staff alike.”
It’s been a long few years for the NHS and its charities since the COVID-19 pandemic first hit at the end of 2019. More than ever, the structure which provides so much support and care for our entire nation needs to be supported back - and you can do that at the concert on Friday 8th December.
For just £5 you will be invited into the festive spirit of carols and charity, and just by buying a ticket, you are helping to support the NHS, its staff, and those currently in need of their care.
“All proceeds from this event will support the Royal Berks Charity, which provides invaluable support to the wards and departments of the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust,” adds Clare. “So, while you're enjoying the festive festivities, you'll also be making a meaningful contribution to the community.
At the concert, you can expect some of the region's most well-loved singers, including Best Community Choir South East 2023, Sing For Fun, and the incredible soprano soloist, Stephanie Hershaw.
Additionally, there will be performances from the Let's Sing Reading 2023 winners, The Barberettes, and Calcot Junior School Choir, making for a fun, festive and talented evening for everyone involved.
If this sounds like it's up your street, follow this link to the Royal Berks Charity website where you can buy tickets to the concert, and find out more about how to support the charity all year long.
The concert will take place Friday 8th December from 7pm to 8:30pm at Reading Minster church. Tickets cost £5, with an option to donate more to the charity. All proceeds from the concert go directly to the Royal Berks Charity.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Sense. Sense helps thousands of people who have complex disabilities to communicate, experience the world and fulfil their potential. Learn more here.
Scope. Scope is the disability equality charity in England and Wales, providing practical information and emotional support when it's most needed, campaigning to create a fairer society. Support them here.
Disability Rights UK. Disability Rights UK is the UK’s leading organisation led by, run by, and working for disabled people. Find out more.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Good Health and Wellbeing.
