Fourteen singers connected with disability charity Shaftesbury have recorded a new song at a professional studio in Gateshead.
The North East group, made up of people with and without disabilities, support workers and other staff, recorded Joy oh Joy at Ginger Music. For most of those taking part, it was their first experience inside a professional recording studio.
Gateshead studio session brings singers together
The recording session formed part of a wider UK project involving Shaftesbury groups in London, Dorset and Essex. Their performances have been combined into a track and video intended to celebrate inclusion and show people with disabilities taking part, contributing and being valued.
David, 79, has lived in Shaftesbury supported accommodation since 1999 and is a regular churchgoer with a longstanding interest in music and singing.
“I feel very proud to be part of Joy oh Joy. I really enjoyed singing and taking part in the recording. I appreciate all the support from the staff, who helped make it a wonderful experience.”
Bright Akwando, a support worker for Shaftesbury North East, said music could communicate more deeply than words for some of the people the charity supports. He described the atmosphere at the Gateshead session as positive and said it was good to see everybody involved.
Song written for Shaftesbury by Graham Kendrick
The words and music were written for Shaftesbury by British songwriter Graham Kendrick, who is known for contemporary Christian songs including Shine Jesus Shine. The charity said Kendrick wanted to create a catchy song that expressed its spirit and helped amplify the voices of people with disabilities.
Presenter and broadcaster Pam Rhodes, a vice-president of Shaftesbury and a long-serving host of the BBC's Songs of Praise, also appears on the track. She said the project had brought people together and praised the song's inspiring words and memorable melody.
Shaftesbury services in the North East
Shaftesbury supports more than 4,000 children, young people and adults with disabilities across the UK each year. Its work builds on a charitable tradition dating back to 1844 and focuses on inclusion, independence and opportunity.
In the North East, the charity operates 24 supported-living services for adults with physical and intellectual disabilities. It also runs Thrive, a service for children and young people.
Sally Chivers, chief executive of Shaftesbury, said the recording showed how people could be “all together better for disability” and would help the organisation reach more potential supporters.
Shaftesbury's version of Joy oh Joy is being shared through the charity's website and social-media channels. Graham Kendrick's official version is expected to be released in 2027.
